Work

Identification of sources of resistance against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin contamination in maize cultivars using molecular and kernel screening assay

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • ProVA and beta carotene maize varieties have zero colonization time and insignificant levels of B1 and total Aflatoxin. • The absence of the TC231674 gene in most of the selected commercial cultivars indicates its susceptibility to Aspergillus flavus which lead to production of aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin. • The varieties ILH1 and MHL517 were not colonized with A. flavus and had lower levels of aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin, which could be a good source of resistance against the pathogen. Maize ( Zea mays L.) is a main cereal crop for livestock and human consumption worldwide. Maize production must increase by 70 % by 2050 to feed the growing population. However, the crop has many challenges, including its suitability for aflatoxigenic fungus ( Aspergillus flavus ). The present study investigated the aflatoxigenic levels of twenty (20) maize cultivars using the lab-based kernel screening assay. The results revealed that the cultivar MHL517 (Provitamin A) had no detectable levels of aflatoxins (

Source: Scientific African

DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02622

Authors: Seuri Losieki Mollel, Liberatus Dominick Lyimo, Rashid Suleiman

Institutions: Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute, Sokoine University of Agriculture

Language: English

Topic: Mycotoxins in Agriculture and Food

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $590