Variation for resistance to Fusarium graminearum ear rot in selfed families from the corn population Zapalote Chico

Experiments were conducted to assess the variation for resistance to Fusarium graminearum ear rot among selfed lines from the Zapalote Chico corn population. It was already known that Zapalote Chico possesses some resistance to corn earworm (Heliothis zeae) and variation in Fusarium graminearum ear rot symptom severity had been observed within the population. During two years of experiments, 47 S4- and S5-generation lines were inoculated and ear rot severity was assessed. In addition, eight pigmentation traits and eight morphological traits were recorded. Lines showed significant differences for all recorded traits. Associations were not strong among morphological traits, but were fairly strong among pigmentation traits. Ear rot symptom severity did not seem to be associated with any other trait. The source population and inbred lines exhibited broad ranges of variation and similar bimodal distributions of ear rot symptom severity ratings. Despite significant differences among lines within experiments none of the lines showed distinct and consistent resistance over two years of experiments. It seems that Zapalote Chico lines do not have environmental stability and sufficient potential to be considered worthwhile source of resistance for ear rot