Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for reducing aflatoxin accumulation in corn

Aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus in corn poses significant health risks to both humans and livestock. Exploitation of host-plant resistance in breeding programs is a sustainable way to minimize aflatoxin contamination. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in kernels can accelerate development of aflatoxin-resistant corn using marker-assisted selection. An F 2:3 mapping population, developed from a cross involving a resistant inbred Mp715 and a susceptible inbred B73, was evaluated in replicated field trials with developing ears artificially inoculated with A. flavus for 2 years to identify QTL for reduced aflatoxin accumulation. Using composite interval mapping, 6 to 7 QTL for aflatoxin content were identified in both years with contribution of individual QTL ranging from <1 to 10% of phenotypic variation. More QTL were detected for husk coverage with phenotypic variance range of <1 to 16% explained by individual QTL. Both B73 and Mp715 alleles at these QTL loci contributed toward resistance. Husk coverage and aflatoxin levels were significantly correlated in both years. Our findings were further supported by overlapping of QTL for husk coverage ratings in four genomic regions on chromosomes 4, 8, and 10, where aflatoxin resistance QTL were reported in previous studies. Since most of the QTL were of low to moderate effects, pyramiding of these QTL may lead to enhanced resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in corn.