MAGIC maize population: A new strategy on dissecting the genetic basis and heterosis of Fusarium seedling rot resistance

Recent advances in genetics and genomics have provided new opportunities to dissect the genetic basis of quantitative disease resistance in maize. This research is designed to take advantage of genomic tools, advanced phenotyping, and advanced genetic materials to decipher the genetic complexity of resistance to Fusarium verticillioides, a prevalent pathogen in maize. In this research work, the MM population is used in combination with fast-screening phenotyping tools to elucidate the genetic basis underlying resistance to Fusarium seedling rot (FSR), following a two-step approach. In the first step, the study was aimed at characterizing FSR resistance and seedling traits in MM RILs, using this information to map resistance QTL. In the second step, MM RIXs deriving from lines analyzed in step one were used to characterize heterosis for FSR resistance and seedling traits. Altogether, the research output is expected to contribute knowledge on the genetic mechanisms of F. verticillioides resistance at early developmental stages in maize lines and hybrids, a milestone for further investigations in adult plants and field resistance and for accelerating breeding for resistance.