Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal crop worldwide and is highly susceptible to infection by Aspergillus flavus. This pathogenic fungus can cause ear rot and produce toxic aflatoxin contamination in maize kernels. This contamination poses serious economic and health risks globally. Limited knowledge of maize resistance mechanisms to this fungus presents a challenge for scientists and farmers trying to select resistant varieties. This field trial aimed to assess the maize responses to A. flavus exposure during the autumn and spring of 2023–2024. Maize cobs from both inoculated and non-inoculated plants were harvested and shade-dried before analysis for various parameters. Results showed non-inoculated maize genotypes performed better than those inoculated with A. flavus, despite minimal visible infection symptoms across all genotypes. Exposure to A. flavus negatively affects the contents of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and moisture of grains. The principal component analysis identified PBG-35, PBG-43, and PBG-16 as the top-performing genotypes, while PBG-80, PBG-81, and PBG-83 performed poorly under both conditions. The results revealed that inoculation with A. flavus reduces maize grain yield and quality even without visible infection signs. These resistant genotypes can be desirable in developing Aspergillus ear rot-resistant maize hybrids with a reduced risk of aflatoxin contamination through breeding programs.
Maize (Z. mays L.), fungal infection, cob, inoculation, disease resistance, Aspergillus flavus, ear rot, seasonal variability, grain quality
The changing climatic pattern worldwide causes significant biotic stress on maize (Z. mays L.), specifically Aspergillus flavus infection, ear rot, and aflatoxin contamination. Addressing these issues requires the identification and screening of resistant maize germplasm. Findings highlight the importance of disease-resistant germplasm for developing disease-resistant hybrids in maize breeding programs.