| Abstract Detail
Plant-Pathogen Interactions Wilkinson, J.R. [1], Mylroie, J.E. [2], Kelley, R.Y. [3], Brooks, T.D. [4], Williams, W.P. [4]. Identification if Genes Associated with Aflatoxin Resistance and Generation of Gene Specific Markers in Maize. Aflatoxins are the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens known. These mycotoxins are produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus during infections of maize (corn), peanuts, cotton, and tree nuts. In Mississippi and other southern states, high heat and drought produce the ideal conditions for fungal growth and aflatoxin production in maize. To prevent the devastating health effects of aflatoxins these contaminate crops are destroyed, resulting in a large economic burden for southern farmers. Thus, the prevention of aflatoxin contamination in corn is of vital economic and health importance. Generation of maize lines resistant to aflatoxin accumulation is one of the most promising avenues of research; however, lack of gene-specific markers for resistance has hampered these efforts. Microarray studies of resistant (Mp313E) and susceptible (Va35) maize infected with A. flavus NRRL 3357 identified 234 genes that showed differential expression. By mapping these 234 genes to aflatoxin resistance Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) of Mp313E, a subset of 25 genes have been selected for further study. These genes are being sequenced in both Mp313E and Va35 to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Identified SNP are being used to generate gene-specific primers capable of discriminating between the resistant and susceptible genotypes. These gene-specific primers will be a valuable tool in the introgression of resistance into elite production lines. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Mississippi State University, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Box 9650, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA 2 - Mississippi State University, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3 - Mississippi State University, Plant and Soil Sciences 4 - USDA-ARS, Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit
Keywords: aflatoxin gene-based markers Aspergillus flavus Zea mays microarray.
Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract Session: P Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007 Time: 8:00 AM Number: P15072 Abstract ID:1720 |