FUNGAL ENDOPHYTES OF MAIZE: GENE PRODUCTS CONFERRING RESISTANCE TO AFLATOXIN AND FUMONISIN

Classify and optically sort maize grain infested with common species of kernel rotting fungi and contaminated with mycotoxins. Identify and characterize gene products from Fusarium verticillioides essential to fungal competitive success that respond to chemicals from microbial constituents growing on or in corn. Discover and characterize proteins from protective endophytes of maize and novel mycoparasitic fungi that are capable of inhibiting growth of Aspergillus flavus and F. verticillioides. Provide information and germplasm that will be used by private seed companies to create corn hybrids that resist accumulation of aflatoxin. Investigate protein expression in ripening maize grains challenged by protective endophytes versus destructive pathogens. Examine the ecological role of Acremonium zeae and other protective endophytes of maize in providing effective defenses against mycotoxin producing kernel rotting fungi. Discover and characterize novel antifungal metabolites produced by mycoparasites and fungal endophytes of maize and other cereals with activity against Aspergillus and Fusarium.