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Aspergillus Colonization and Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanut Genotypes with Resistance to Other Fungal Pathogens

December 1997 , Volume 81 , Number  12
Pages  1,429 - 1,431

C. Corley Holbrook , Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS, Tifton, GA 31793 ; and David M. Wilson , Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Tifton 31793 ; and Michael E. Matheron , Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arizona, Yuma 85364 ; and William F. Anderson , Former Postdoctoral Research Associate



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Accepted for publication 19 August 1997.
ABSTRACT

Indirect selection tools would be valuable in the development of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivars with resistance to aflatoxin contamination. The objective of this study was to determine whether resistance to other fungi could be used as an indirect selection tool for resistance to colonization of peanut by Aspergillus flavus group fungi or aflatoxin contamination. Nine peanut genotypes with resistance to late leaf spot (Cercosporidium personatum) or white mold (Sclerotium rolfsii) were evaluated for 2 years at Tifton, GA, and Yuma, AZ. Plots were subjected to late-season heat and drought stress. None of the genotypes exhibited less colonization of shells or kernels by A. flavus group fungi than cv. Florunner when tested in Georgia or Arizona. None of the genotypes showed a reduced level of aflatoxin contamination in comparison to Florunner at either location. These results indicate that the mechanisms of resistance to other fungi operating in these genotypes are not effective in providing resistance to colonization by A. flavus group fungi or reducing aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, resistance to these fungi cannot be used as an indirect selection tool for resistance to aflatoxin contamination.


Additional keywords: Aspergillus parasiticus, groundnut, mycotoxin

The American Phytopathological Society, 1997