Kernel Concentrations of 4-Acetylbenzoxazolin-2-one and Diferuloylputrescine in Maize Genotypes and Gibberella Ear Rot

Abstract

Kernel concentrations of 4-acetylbenzoxazolin-2-one (4-ABOA) and diferuloylputrescine were measured in a set of Zea mays genotypes of differing susceptibility to gibberella ear rot as well as populations from crosses of the least susceptible with the most susceptible. 4-ABOA is a potent inhibiter of the biosynthesis of the phytotoxic mycotoxin deoxynivalenol. Diferuloylputrescine, a chemical associated with insect resistance, varied from 8 to 560 μg/g of dry weight (dw) in the kernels of the segregating genotypes. Concentrations of 4-ABOA varied from 19 to 100 μg/g of dw, and the ratio of F4 lines with high, similar, and low kernel concentrations was 2:10:1. In tests of small groups of genotypes with moderate ear rot tolerance and high susceptibility, mean 4-ABOA concentrations were significantly higher in the former group. This suggests that the presence of adequate kernel concentrations of 4-ABOA conjugate may play a role in resistance to gibberella ear rot. Keywords: Gibberella zea; corn; 4-acetylbenzoxazolin-2-one; diferuloylputrescine; deoxynivalenol