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Select corn inbreds demonstrating resistance to fungal ear rots, to evaluate for resistance to aflatoxin contamination in the U.S. and Africa. Take advantage of 3 growing seasons in West Africa for combining resistance traits and take advantage of high levels of natural Aspergillus flavus inoculum in West Africa for evaluating resistant lines.
Inbreds showing resistance to ear rots caused by one or more of several fungi including Aspergillus flavus, will be selected and sent to U.S. for evaluation for resistance to aflatoxin contamination using lab assays, greenhouse, and field trials. Promising corn genotypes will also be investigated for biochemical and physical markers associated with resistance. Based on information obtained in U.S. screening and biochemical studies, resistance traits will be combined through breeding programs in Africa, including traits in U.S. resistant germplasm. Resistant materials will also be incorporated into agronomically good backgrounds. Resistance will be confirmed in all genotypes under natural conditions of high disease pressure in Nigeria. Promising germplasm will be continually sent to U.S. for aflatoxin-resistance evaluations, and resistant lines will be introduced into U.S. breeding programs.