Using biotechnology to enhance host resistance to aflatoxin contamination of corn

Abstract

Host resistance is the most widely explored strategy for eliminating aflatoxin contamination by
Aspergillus flavus. Breeding strategies for developing resistant corn germplasm have been enhanced
by the development of new screening tools for field inoculation and for laboratory screening. RFLP
analysis of corn populations has highlighted the possibility that different resistance traits can be
successfully pyramided into agronomically useful germplasm, while proteomics has impacted the
identification of proteins associated with resistance (RAPs). The identification of RAPs has also been
enhanced by the discovery of near-isogenic corn lines in progeny generated in a West African breeding
program. The characterization of genes of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway has provided a foundation
for a genomics investigation aimed at understanding the biochemical function and genetic regulation of
aflatoxin biosynthesis. Successful inhibition of aflatoxin elaboration may require not only the action of
antifungal compounds, but of compounds that block biosynthesis of toxins as well.