Project Number: 6406-21000-011-08
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 26, 2006
End Date: May 25, 2009

Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research project are to (1) isolate, identify, and determine the function of proteins associated with Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation in maize and (2) identify proteins, genes, and quantitative trait loci associated with resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation.

Approach:
Maize germplasm exhibiting different levels of resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation will be grown in field tests. Silks, kernels, cobs, and husks will be collected from ears inoculated with A. flavus and from un-inoculated ears at pre-determined times. Plant and fungal proteins and RNA will be extracted from various tissues of resistant and susceptible maize genotypes according to published criteria and in consultation with the ADODR. Their potential as molecular markers for aflatoxin resistance will be determined.