Identification of Novel Sources of Resistance to Ear Rot and Aflatoxin Accumulation in Corn

APPROACH: The focus of this research will be on a subset of the proteins that have been identified in proteomic screening conducted at the USDA/ARS/SRRC lab, as putatively involved in aflatoxin accumulation and/or ear rot resistance. Identified proteins will be further characterized and the corresponding genes will be isolated and cloned. Proteins will be expressed in a suitable in vitro system and their possible physiological functions will be investigated. Knowledge of A. flavus functional genomics techniques will be used to identify/test proteins for target-specific interruption of aflatoxin biosynthesis. The information obtained through the above studies will be used to explore the potential of the identified genes to serve as markers in marker-assisted breeding programs.