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To identify aflatoxin-resistance among IITA maize breeding materials and to identify and confirm genes for use as breeding markers in the resistant lines.
Approach: This project will rapidly evaluate large numbers of maize lines produced through a breeding program at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria, West Africa, using the rapid kernel screening assay (KSA). Information obtained through these screenings will be used to select lines to advance, through breeding, to the next generation. In lines demonstrating resistance, A. flavus tester strains expressing GUS or gfp will be used to highlight the type of resistance mechanism operating in kernels. Proteomics will be performed on near-isogenic lines differing in aflatoxin accumulation. Proteins associated with resistance (RAP's) in these lines will be identified and their corresponding genes. The role of RAP genes in resistance will be investigated using quantitative trait loci (QTL) studies and RNAi gene silencing experiments. Information obtained will be used to develop markers for use in marker-assisted breeding.