Developing Resistance to Aflatoxin through Seed-Based Technologies

1. Develop and implement marker-assisted corn breeding strategy. Identify and characterize novel markers associated with aflatoxin-resistance, e.g., resistance-associated proteins (RAPs), in developing and mature kernels through proteomic and genomic comparisons of resistant and susceptible corn genotypes. 2. Identify new sources of corn germplasm and develop new germplasm resistant to fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination with national and international collaboration, using laboratory and field inoculations of corn kernels with tester fungi designed for rapid resistance screening. 3. Evaluate the contribution of novel RAP genes from corn (see Objective 1) for resistance to A. flavus growth and aflatoxin production and use these genes or others to develop transgenic cotton with enhanced resistance to aflatoxin contamination under greenhouse and field conditions. Identify and transfer resistant varieties to cooperating plant breeders for development of varieties for commercial application. 4. Develop rapid, non-destructive hyperspectral imaging methodology to: a) measure fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination in corn as a tool for use in enhancement of Homeland Security, and b) measure spectral signatures associated with traits for resistance to fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination in corn kernels.