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Title: THE GENETICS OF VIRUS RESISTANCE IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Author
item Redinbaugh, Margaret
item Jones, Mark
item Gingery, Roy

Submitted to: Maydica
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/17/2003
Publication Date: 1/9/2005
Citation: Redinbaugh, M.G., Jones, M.W., Gingery, R.E. 2005. The genetics of virus resistance in maize (zea mays l.). Maydica. 49:183-190.

Interpretive Summary: In this review article, we discuss what is known about the genes and loci that are important for resistance to virus diseases in maize. Genes and loci for virus resistance have been identified for seven different viruses and their positions on maize chromosomes have been determined. It is interesting that the genes and loci are not spread all over the maize genome, but rather they tend to be grouped together on just a few chromosomes. This article reviews recent research on virus resistance in maize. Because the review will appear in a journal read by a large number of maize researchers, the new ideas put forth may stimulate new discussion and thoughts about virus and pathogen resistance in maize.

Technical Abstract: The identification and mapping of maize genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with virus resistance in maize (Zea mays L.) are reviewed. Genes or major QTL for resistance to Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), Maize mosaic virus, Maize streak virus, High Plains virus and Maize chlorotic dwarf virus have been mapped in the maize genome. Resistance to other viruses including Maize rayado fino virus, maize fine streak virus and maize nectrotic streak virus has been identified, but not characterized genetically. Clusters of maize virus resistance genes are located on chromosomes 3, 6 and 10. While the cluster on chromosome 6 (bin 6.01 near umc85) carries resistance to three members of the Potyviridae (MDMV, SCMV and WSMV), the clusters on chromosomes 3 (bin 3.05 near umc102) and 10 (bin 10.05 near umc44) carry resistance to phylogenetically diverse viruses as well as bacterial and fungal pathogens.