Components of Resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot in Field Corn

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Abstract
Crosses involving various generations derived from two susceptible and two resistant inbred corn lines were inoculated with Gibberella zeae (isolate U5373) for three consecutive years. Analysis of variance of disease reactions in inbred and F1 generations revealed differences among lines and blocks and a year .times. line interaction. Generation means analysis involving inbred, F1, F2, F3, backcross, and selfed backcross generations implicated additivity (lack of dominance) as the predominant genetic effect. A maternal influence was apparent in one set of reciprocal crosses. Seven inbred lines also were inoculated with seven G. zeae and four Fusarium sporotrichioides isolates in two blocks. G. zeae was generally more virulent than F. sporotrichioides. Inbred .times. isolate interactions were observed. Disease reactions of these inbred lines following similar rankings regardless of the pathogen isolate tested.