Gibberella zeae (anamorph: Fusarium graminearum) is the causal agent of fusarium head blight (FHB) and maize ear rot, two major diseases of wheat and corn in Eastern Canada. / In Quebec, Microsphaeropsis sp., an antagonist of Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab, was isolated from the apple leaf litter. This fungus, well adapted to Quebec climate, can reduce the initial inoculum of V. inaequalis. FHB and Gibberella ear rot are similar to apple scab because the major inoculum source comes from melanized structures produced on crop residues. Consequently, we evaluated the potential of Microsphaeropsis sp. (isolate P130A) to inhibit ascospore production of G. zeae when applied to crop residues as post harvest or pre-planting applications. Under in vitro conditions, the antagonist significantly reduced ascospore production on wheat and corn residues, when applied prior to (82% and 92% respectively) or at the same time as the pathogen (36% and 58% respectively). Under field conditions, the antagonist had no effect on the pattern of perithecia maturation but significantly reduced the number of ascospores produced on two sampling dates, May 1998 and July 1999. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Maize streak virus (MSV) disease, transmitted by leafhoppers (Cicadulina mbila, Naude), and maize downy mildew (DM) disease caused by Peronosclerospora sorghi (Weston and Uppal) Shaw, are major contributing factors to low maize yields in Africa. These two diseases threaten maize production in Mozambique, thus the importance of breeding Mozambican maize varieties that carry resistance to these diseases. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) was employed to pyramid MSV and DM disease resistant genes into a single genetic background through simultaneous selection. Firstly, it was essential to determine the genetic diversity of MSV disease resistance in 25 elite maize inbred lines to aid in the selection of suitable lines for the introgression of the msv1 gene; and subsequently, to introduce the msv1 resistance gene cluster from two inbred lines, CM505 and CML509, which were identified as the ideal parental lines for the introgression of MSV disease resistance into a locally adapted Mozambican inbred line LP23 that had DM background resistance. Pyramiding the resistance genes by the use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers to track the MSV gene cluster was investigated in 118 F3 progeny derived from crosses of CML505 x LP23 and CML509 x LP23. High resolution melt (HRM) analysis using the markers umc2228 and bnlg1811 detected 29 MSV resistant lines. At the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in Zimbabwe, MSV disease expression of the 118 F3 progeny lines was assessed under artificial inoculation conditions with viruliferous leafhoppers and the effect of the MSV disease on plant height was measured. Thirty-seven family lines exhibited MSV and DM (DM incidence ≤50) disease resistance. Individual plants from a total of 41 progeny lines, that exhibited MSV disease severity ratings of 2.5 or less in both locations within each of the F3 family lines, were selected based on the presence of the msv1 gene based on SSR data, or field DM disease resistance, and were then advanced to the F4 generation to be fixed for use to improve maize hybrids in Mozambique for MSV resistance. Simultaneous trials were run at Chokwe Research Station in Mozambique for MSV and DM disease assessment, under natural and artificial disease infestation, respectively. Thus the MSV and DM genes were effectively pyramided. Lines with both MSV and DM resistance were advanced to the F4 generation and will be fixed for use to improve maize hybrids in Mozambique for MSV and DM resistance, which will have positive implications on food security in Mozambique. This research discusses the results of combined selection with both artificial inoculation and the three selected SSR markers. It was concluded that a conventional maize breeder can successfully use molecular markers to improve selection intensity and maximise genetic gain. / Thesis (M.Sc.Agric)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) is one of the most destructive storage insect pest of maize (Zea mays L.) in tropical Africa and worldwide, especially when susceptible varieties are grown. Therefore, grain resistance against the maize weevil should be part of a major component of an integrated maize weevil management strategy. The specific objectives of this study were to: i) determine farmers’ perceptions about weevil resistance in maize cultivars; ii) determine the genotypic variation for maize weevil resistance in eastern and southern Africa maize germplasm lines; iii) study the gene action conditioning weevil resistance in the inbred line populations from eastern and southern Africa maize germplasm and to measure their combining ability for yield and weevil resistance; iv) determine the effectiveness of two cycles of modified S1 recurrent selection in improving a tropical maize population “Longe5” for weevil resistance and agronomic superiority and v) evaluate the effectiveness of the “weevil warehouse techniques” compared to the “laboratory bioassay technique” as methods of maize screening against the maize weevil. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was conducted in three districts between December 2010 and January 2011, to gather information on the maize weevil pest status in Uganda and farmers’ perceptions about improved maize varieties and the major attributes desired in new maize varieties. Over 95% of farmers knew the maize weevil and its pest status, and were reportedly controlling the maize weevil using wood ashes, red pepper and Cupressus sempervirens. The estimated postharvest weight losses attributed to weevil damage was over 20% within a storage period of four months. The most highly ranked attributes desired in the new maize varieties included high grain yield, tolerance to drought and low nitrogen stresses, resistance to field pests and diseases, good storability and resistance to storage pests. In the search for new sources of weevil resistance, a total of 180 inbred lines from three different geographical areas were screened for weevil resistance using the laboratory bioassay technique. Eight inbred lines (MV21, MV23, MV75, MV102, MV142, MV154, MV157, and MV170) were consistently grouped in the resistant class, and therefore selected as potential donors for weevil resistance in the maize improvement programs. Large significant genetic variations for weevil resistance, and high levels of heritability (89 – 96%) were observed. The results revealed that there was no significant association between maize weevil resistance andgrain yield; suggesting that breeding for maize weevil resistance can be achieved without compromising grain yield. Eight weevil resistant and two susceptible inbred line parents were crossed in a 10 x 10 full diallel mating design and the resulting 45 experimental hybrids and their reciprocal crosses evaluated for grain yield and secondary traits under four environments, and also to determine the gene action regulating their expression. The F1 hybrid seed, F2 full-sib and F2 half-sib grain generated from the 45 experimental hybrids and their reciprocals under two environments in Namulonge, were evaluated for weevil resistance using F1 weevil progeny emergence, median development period (MDP), Dobie’s index of susceptibility (DIS), and parental weevil mortality as susceptibility parameters. The general combing ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and reciprocal effects were all significant for grain yield, with SCA accounting for over 80% of the hybrid sum of squares. Inbred line parent MV44 exhibited positive significant GCA for grain yield and thus can be utilized in the development of synthetics and hybrids. Hybrids MV21 x MV13, MV154 x MV44, and MV154 x MV102 and all hybrids between parent MV142 and the rest of the parental lines exhibited positive and significant SCA effects. For the weevil resistance parameters, the general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal effects were all significant for F1 weevil progeny emergence, MDP, and DIS in the three seed categories. The results revealed that weevil resistance was governed by additive gene action, non-additive, and maternal effects. Parents MV170 and MV142 were consistently exhibiting weevil resistance in the three seed categories and thus recommended for future breeding strategies. Furthermore, most of the hybrids generated from parental line M142 were noted to exhibit outstanding performance in terms of grain yield and weevil resistance. Another study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of two cycles of modified S1 recurrent selection towards the improvement of weevil resistance in a maize population Longe5. Over 540 selfed ears were selected from the source population (C0) and screened for weevil resistance in the laboratory at Namulonge. Based on weevil resistance characteristics, 162 genotypes were selected from C0 and recombined in an isolated field to generate cycle C1. The same procedure was used for generating cycle C2 from cycle C1, but instead 190 weevil resistant C1 genotypes were selected and recombined to form C2. Seed from cycles C1 and C2, together with that from the source population (C0), was used to plant an evaluation trial in three locations, to compare the performance of the three cycles in terms of grain yield and reaction to the major foliar diseases, and also to produce seed for subsequent screening against weevil ii infestation. A total of 54 seed samples were screened for weevil resistance in a laboratory at Namulonge, in an experiment laid out in a randomized complete block design. A reduction in grain weight loss of 65% was registered in the C2 seed, whereas in C1 seed it was 15%. A similar trend was observed for F1 weevil progeny emergence and grain damage. Grain yield results indicated a yield gain of 19% realized from cycle C2 while a yield gain of 7% was realized from cycle C1. Furthermore, reductions in disease severity of 27%, 10% and 13% were exhibited for Turcicum leaf blight (TLB), grey leaf spot (GLS) and rust disease, respectively in cycle C2. The results indicated that Longe5 can be improved for maize weevil resistance, grain yield, and resistance to foliar diseases through selection. Further recurrent selection cycles would be recommended. The last study was aimed at evaluating the potential of shelled grain and suspended ear options of the weevil warehouse technique in discriminating maize genotypes into different susceptibility classes, based on genotype response to weevil attack. It involved comparing the effectiveness of the two options under the weevil warehouse technique with the laboratory bioassay technique using grain damage and grain weight loss as the maize grain susceptibility parameters. Fourteen maize genotypes were screened using the weevil warehouse and the laboratory bioassay techniques at Namulonge. On grouping the 14 genotypes into different response classes, high levels of consistency were observed in the three screening techniques. Therefore, the two weevil warehouse screening options being faster and effective in discriminating maize cultivars towards weevil attack, they were found to be better than the laboratory bioassay technique. The minimum evaluation period required to discriminate genotypes by the two weevil warehouse options was two months from the onset of the experiment. The maize weevil was noted to be an important storage pest constraining maize production in Uganda. The major weevil control measures included proper postharvest handling procedures and use of indigenous technical knowledge. The results also revealed that host plant resistance could significantly reduce grain damage. It was further revealed that grain resistance against the maize weevil could be enhanced through hybridization and recurrent selection; thus the germplasm identified in the study can provide new sources of maize weevil resistance for commercial deployment and further breeding. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

Maize (Zea mays L.) supports millions of livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in terms of food and feed. Production of the crop is however limited by several factors, among these, maize streak virus (MSV) disease. Although extensively studied, MSV remains a serious problem in SSA due to several challenges in breeding MSV resistant maize varieties. These include integration of MSV resistant germplasm from different backgrounds, reliance on a few resistant sources, and genotype x environment interactions. This study was designed to assess the breeding potential of several MSV resistant lines in hybrid combinations. Understanding architecture of genetic divergence and background of these genotypes would greatly aid in breeding high yielding and stable MSV resistant hybrids. Experiments were conducted during 2010 to 2012 seasons in Kenya. Diallel crosses and SSR markers were used to characterize MSV resistant maize inbred lines from three programs of CIMMYT, KARI and IITA. In general, this study revealed that MSV is still an important problem in Kenya with high incidence and severity levels in the farmers’ fields. The levels of MSV resistance in locally grown hybrids needs to be improved. Farmers challenged breeders to develop new hybrids that combine early maturing, high yield potential and MSV resistance. The study was successful in identifying the best eight inbred lines for use in breeding new maize hybrids with MSV resistance. The nature of gene effects was established for the first time, in particular the role of epistasis and G x E in conditioning MSV resistance in hybrids. Results indicate serious implications for previous models that ignored epistasis in studying MSV resistance in maize. The inbreds Z419, S558, CML509 and Osu23i, displayed high levels of epistasis for MSV resistance. Unless strong sources of MSV resistance, such as MUL114 and CML509, are used, breeding resistant hybrids will require parents that carry dominant resistance genes. The additive-dominance model was adequate to explain northern leaf blight (NLB) resistance in hybrids, indicating fewer complications in breeding NLB resistant hybrids. The study also reveals that SSR genetic distance data can be used to predict hybrid performance, especially when the correct set of markers is used. Many previous studies have not found any significant relationship between genetic distance and heterosis, due to large G x E and use of a wrong set of markers. The diallel analysis and SSR data established the important heterotic groups, which will be exploited for efficient development of MSV resistant maize hybrids. These strategies will be recommended to programs that emphasize MSV resistance in maize hybrids. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

Potential vegetative and reproductive increases in yield, as well as the biological efficacy against Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum causing ear and stem rot in maize crops of commercially-formulated micro-organism formulation T-Gro (Trichoderma harzianum isolate DB103 WP) combined with Spartacus (Beauveria bassiana isolate DB 105 WP), T-Gro combined with Armenius (Bacillus subtilis isolate DB 109 WP), T-Gro combined with Maximus (Bacillus subtilis isolate DB 108 WP), T-Gro combined with Shelter (Bacillus subtilis isolate DB 101), T-Gro combined with Bismarck (Microbacterium maritypicum isolate DB 107 WP), as well as individual treatments of T-Gro, Armenius, Bismarck, Maximus and Shelter, were investigated when applied to maize seed and soil under field conditions. All the micro-organism treatments were compared with Thiram 750WP (750g/kg thiram WP) and an untreated control. The micro-organism treatments showed an increase in vegetative as well as reproductive yields when compared to the reference product Thiram 750 WP and the untreated control. There were no observations of adverse effects on the germination of maize seed in all the treatments that were applied. The three isolates B. subtilis, T. harzianum, and M. maritypicum, showed a significant reduction in vascular tissue discolouration of the main and ear stems, indicating a potential to be used in the reduction and control of diseases caused by Fusarium spp. Results also showed poor to very good increases of stem and foliage biomass as well as cob yield per plant produced by the micro-organism treatments when compared to the untreated control. The highest cob yield per plant that differed significantly from the untreated control was produced by T-Gro and Shelter. No phytotoxicity of any kind was observed with the application of the micro-organism formulations and they could therefore be deemed suitable to be used for the treatment of maize seed. The micro-organism formulations containing fungal and bacterial biological control agents have the potential to be used in commercial maize production to increase vegetative and reproductive yields and reduce the severity of ear and stem rot in maize. / Agriculture Animal Health and Human Ecology / M.Sc. (Agriculture)

O milho (Zea mays L.) é um dos cereais mais cultivados no mundo e apresenta papel importante na economia mundial. Com a expansão do plantio da cultura, reduziu-se o convívio harmônico entre a cutlura e as doenças, aumentando com isso, os danos causados, principalmente por fungos fitopatogênicos. Sabendo-se destas necessidades, foram realizados dois estudos que envolveram o uso de fosfitos isolados e, associados com fungicidas comerciais recomendados para o tratamento de sementes. Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial dos fosfitos sobre Fusarium verticilliodes e Fusarium graminearum em condições in vitro e em in vivo sobre a sanidade e qualidade fisiológica das sementes e uma possível ativação do metabolismo de defesa das plantulas. Para o primeiro estudo, foi realizado um experimento in vitro, objetivando avaliar o efeito dos fosfitos, nas doses correspondentes à 0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,6; 0,8; e 1mL/1,0 Kg de sementes. Os fosfitos foram depositados em meio de cultura vertidos em meio BDA, ajustando-se o pH para 5,6. Em placas de Petri, foram dispostos discos de micélio de 7 mm dos fungos F. verticilliodes e F. graminearum. As placas foram incubadas em temperatura de 24 + ou – 1ºC com fotoperíodo de 12 horas luz/escuro. Então, avaliou-se o crescimento micelial em resposta aos tratamentos. Ainda, nesse estudo avaliou-se a sanidade de sementes de milho, tratadas com misturas de fosfitos e fungicidas comerciais. Para o tratamento das sementes, usou-se os fungicidas carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl−m em associação com fertilizantes a base de fosfito de potássio, de cobre, complexo nutricional e complexo potencializador, nas doses de 1,5; 3,0; 1; 1; 2 e 3 mL/1 Kg de sementes respectivamente. Para o segundo estudo, os fertilizantes a base de fosfitos de potássio e de cobre foram associados aos fungicidas comerciais carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl−m, para avaliar os seus efeitos sobre o desempenho fisiológico das sementes e identificar as possíveis rotas metabólicas envolvidas no processo de defesa vegetal. Foram quantificadas a viabilidade, por meio do teste de germinação e o vigor, submetendo-se as sementes aos testes de envelhecimento acelerado, teste de frio, comprimento e materia seca de plântulas e emergencia em campo, calculando-se o indice de velocidade de emergência, velocidade de emergência e coeficiente de velocidade de emergência. O material vegetal, foi coletado e realizadas as análises bioquímicas de proteínas totais, e atividade das enzimas fenilalanina amônialiase, quitinase e β 1,3 glucanase. O crescimento micelial in vitro dos dois fungos foi afetado pelos tratamentos à base de fosfitos. Ocorreu maior supressão micelial com o fosfito de potássio e fosfito de manganês. Verificou-se que o melhor estado sanitário das sementes foi obtido quando utilizou-se a mistura de carbendazim + thiram e fosfito de potássio. O efeito dos fosfitos de potássio e cobre no tratamento de sementes de milho, associados a fungicidas incrementaram o seu potencial fisiológico. Os tratamentos não interferiram na ativação da rota dos fenilpropanóides e na síntese das enzimas quitinase e β 1,3 glucanase, quando utilizados para o tratamento de sementes de milho. / Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most cultivated cereals in the world and plays an important role in the world economy. With the expansion of planting of the culture, the harmonic conviviality between the cutlura and the diseases was reduced, increasing with this, the damages caused, mainly by phytopathogenic fungi. Knowing these needs, two studies were carried out that involved the use of isolated phosphites and, associated with commercial fungicides recommended for the treatment of seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of phosphites on Fusarium verticilliodes and Fusarium graminearum in in vitro and in vivo conditions on the physiological quality and health of the seeds and a possible activation of the seedling defense metabolism. For the first study, an in vitro experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the phosphites at the doses corresponding to 0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; And 1mL / 1.0 Kg of seeds. The phosphites were deposited in culture medium poured into BDA medium, adjusting the pH to 5.6. In Petri dishes, 7 mm mycelium discs of the fungi F. verticilliodes and F. graminearum were arranged. The plates were incubated at a temperature of 24 ± 1 ° C in a 12-hour light / dark photoperiod. Then, the mycelial growth in response to the treatments was evaluated. Also, in this study, the sanity of maize seeds, treated with mixtures of commercial phosphites and fungicides, was evaluated. For the treatment of the seeds, the fungicides carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-m were used in association with fertilizers based on potassium phosphite, copper, nutritional complex and potentiating complex, at doses of 1,5; 3.0; 1; 1; 2 and 3 mL / 1 Kg of seeds respectively. For the second study, fertilizers based on potassium and copper phosphites were associated with the commercial fungicides carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-m, to evaluate their effects on the physiological performance of the seeds and to identify the possible metabolic routes involved in the Process of plant defense. The viability, through the germination test and the vigor, were quantified by subjecting the seeds to the tests of accelerated aging, cold test, seedling length and dry matter and field emergence, calculating the rate of emergency, emergency speed and emergency speed coefficient. Plant material, was collected and performed the biochemical analyzes of total proteins, and activity of the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chitinase and β-1,3 glucanase. In vitro mycelial growth of the two fungi was affected by the phosphite treatments. Mycelial suppression occurred with potassium phosphite and manganese phosphite. It was found that the best sanitary condition of the seeds was obtained when the mixture of carbendazim + thiram and potassium phosphite was used. The effect of potassium and copper phosphites on corn seed treatment associated with fungicides increased their physiological potential. The treatments did not interfere in the activation of the phenylpropanoic route and in the synthesis of the enzymes chitinase and β-1,3 glucanase when used for the treatment of corn seeds.

O milho (Zea mays L.) é um dos cereais mais cultivados no mundo e apresenta papel importante na economia mundial. Com a expansão do plantio da cultura, reduziu-se o convívio harmônico entre a cutlura e as doenças, aumentando com isso, os danos causados, principalmente por fungos fitopatogênicos. Sabendo-se destas necessidades, foram realizados dois estudos que envolveram o uso de fosfitos isolados e, associados com fungicidas comerciais recomendados para o tratamento de sementes. Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial dos fosfitos sobre Fusarium verticilliodes e Fusarium graminearum em condições in vitro e em in vivo sobre a sanidade e qualidade fisiológica das sementes e uma possível ativação do metabolismo de defesa das plantulas. Para o primeiro estudo, foi realizado um experimento in vitro, objetivando avaliar o efeito dos fosfitos, nas doses correspondentes à 0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,6; 0,8; e 1mL/1,0 Kg de sementes. Os fosfitos foram depositados em meio de cultura vertidos em meio BDA, ajustando-se o pH para 5,6. Em placas de Petri, foram dispostos discos de micélio de 7 mm dos fungos F. verticilliodes e F. graminearum. As placas foram incubadas em temperatura de 24 + ou – 1ºC com fotoperíodo de 12 horas luz/escuro. Então, avaliou-se o crescimento micelial em resposta aos tratamentos. Ainda, nesse estudo avaliou-se a sanidade de sementes de milho, tratadas com misturas de fosfitos e fungicidas comerciais. Para o tratamento das sementes, usou-se os fungicidas carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl−m em associação com fertilizantes a base de fosfito de potássio, de cobre, complexo nutricional e complexo potencializador, nas doses de 1,5; 3,0; 1; 1; 2 e 3 mL/1 Kg de sementes respectivamente. Para o segundo estudo, os fertilizantes a base de fosfitos de potássio e de cobre foram associados aos fungicidas comerciais carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl−m, para avaliar os seus efeitos sobre o desempenho fisiológico das sementes e identificar as possíveis rotas metabólicas envolvidas no processo de defesa vegetal. Foram quantificadas a viabilidade, por meio do teste de germinação e o vigor, submetendo-se as sementes aos testes de envelhecimento acelerado, teste de frio, comprimento e materia seca de plântulas e emergencia em campo, calculando-se o indice de velocidade de emergência, velocidade de emergência e coeficiente de velocidade de emergência. O material vegetal, foi coletado e realizadas as análises bioquímicas de proteínas totais, e atividade das enzimas fenilalanina amônialiase, quitinase e β 1,3 glucanase. O crescimento micelial in vitro dos dois fungos foi afetado pelos tratamentos à base de fosfitos. Ocorreu maior supressão micelial com o fosfito de potássio e fosfito de manganês. Verificou-se que o melhor estado sanitário das sementes foi obtido quando utilizou-se a mistura de carbendazim + thiram e fosfito de potássio. O efeito dos fosfitos de potássio e cobre no tratamento de sementes de milho, associados a fungicidas incrementaram o seu potencial fisiológico. Os tratamentos não interferiram na ativação da rota dos fenilpropanóides e na síntese das enzimas quitinase e β 1,3 glucanase, quando utilizados para o tratamento de sementes de milho. / Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most cultivated cereals in the world and plays an important role in the world economy. With the expansion of planting of the culture, the harmonic conviviality between the cutlura and the diseases was reduced, increasing with this, the damages caused, mainly by phytopathogenic fungi. Knowing these needs, two studies were carried out that involved the use of isolated phosphites and, associated with commercial fungicides recommended for the treatment of seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of phosphites on Fusarium verticilliodes and Fusarium graminearum in in vitro and in vivo conditions on the physiological quality and health of the seeds and a possible activation of the seedling defense metabolism. For the first study, an in vitro experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the phosphites at the doses corresponding to 0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; And 1mL / 1.0 Kg of seeds. The phosphites were deposited in culture medium poured into BDA medium, adjusting the pH to 5.6. In Petri dishes, 7 mm mycelium discs of the fungi F. verticilliodes and F. graminearum were arranged. The plates were incubated at a temperature of 24 ± 1 ° C in a 12-hour light / dark photoperiod. Then, the mycelial growth in response to the treatments was evaluated. Also, in this study, the sanity of maize seeds, treated with mixtures of commercial phosphites and fungicides, was evaluated. For the treatment of the seeds, the fungicides carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-m were used in association with fertilizers based on potassium phosphite, copper, nutritional complex and potentiating complex, at doses of 1,5; 3.0; 1; 1; 2 and 3 mL / 1 Kg of seeds respectively. For the second study, fertilizers based on potassium and copper phosphites were associated with the commercial fungicides carbendazim + thiram, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-m, to evaluate their effects on the physiological performance of the seeds and to identify the possible metabolic routes involved in the Process of plant defense. The viability, through the germination test and the vigor, were quantified by subjecting the seeds to the tests of accelerated aging, cold test, seedling length and dry matter and field emergence, calculating the rate of emergency, emergency speed and emergency speed coefficient. Plant material, was collected and performed the biochemical analyzes of total proteins, and activity of the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chitinase and β-1,3 glucanase. In vitro mycelial growth of the two fungi was affected by the phosphite treatments. Mycelial suppression occurred with potassium phosphite and manganese phosphite. It was found that the best sanitary condition of the seeds was obtained when the mixture of carbendazim + thiram and potassium phosphite was used. The effect of potassium and copper phosphites on corn seed treatment associated with fungicides increased their physiological potential. The treatments did not interfere in the activation of the phenylpropanoic route and in the synthesis of the enzymes chitinase and β-1,3 glucanase when used for the treatment of corn seeds.

Orientador: Sergio Marangoni / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T06:47:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_AdrianaMoreiradaSilvae_D.pdf: 6318592 bytes, checksum: 2d42ae741dfb799cf38492581dbb5324 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: As plantas são capazes de responder e resistir ao ataque de patógenos ativando uma diversidade de estratégias de defesa. A maioria delas exibe uma estratégia geral onde são ativadas respostas bioquímicas de maneira coordenada, incluindo a reprogramação do metabolismo celular, o reforço das barreiras celulares e produção de compostos antimicrobianos e proteínas que agem diretamente sobre o patógeno. Mas existem também respostas específicas das plantas a determinados patógenos, onde são ativadas vias de defesa específicas.Apesar da crescente quantidade de dados em literatura descrevendo genes envolvidos na patogênese vegetal, pouco se sabe sobre as modificações ao nível de proteoma associadas com estas interações. Neste trabalho é apresentado um estudo proteômico comparativo de plantas de milho, de dois genótipos contrastantes em relação à resistência ao fungo Puccinia polysora, em que foram caracterizadas as diferenças no perfil de expressão de proteínas em sementes dos dois genótipos. Através de uma ampla caracterização dos perfis de proteína por diferentes métodos eletroforéticos, foram reveladas 12 proteínas diferencialmente expressas no genótipo de maior resistência. Destas, 5 foram identificadas por espectrometria de massas por MALDI-TOF, sendo 3 delas identificadas como proteínas com atividade de defesa: uma lipoxigenase de 96 kDa, uma proteína Vicilin-like de 66 kDa e uma proteína Heat-Shockde 70 kDa. No segundo capítulo da tese, apresentamos um estudo complementar de mapeamento de QTLs em plantas de milho para a identificação dos genes reguladores da síntese de DIMBOA, um composto secundário que atua na defesa de plantas contra fungos e insetos. Neste estudo foi construído um mapa genético de ligação de uma população F2 resultante do cruzamento de uma linhagem com alta produção de DIMBOA e outra linhagem de baixa produção deste composto. O mapa, com um tamanho total de 1432,9 centimorgans, foi construído com 123 marcadores SSR. Com este mapa foi possível identificar quatro QTLs potencialmente relacionadas com a regulação da via de síntese de DIMBOA, sendo uma no cromossomo 1 (bin 1.08), duas no cromossomo 6 (bin 6.01 e bin 6.02) e uma no cromossomo 10 (bin 10.05) / Abstract: Plants have the ability to respond to invasion by pathogens through activation of a variety of defense strategies. Most plants exhibit a general defense strategy in which a wide range of biochemical responses are induced in a coordinated manner, including reprogramming of cellular metabolism, accumulation of barrier-forming substances and production of antimicrobial compounds and proteins that act directly to prevent pathogen invasion. Some plants show also specific pathogen responses, in a different strategy pathway. Although there is an increasing amount of literature dealing with genes involved in bacterial and fungal pathogenesis, very few reports have addressed proteome modifications associated with such interactions. In the present work we show a comparative proteomic analysis of maize plants, resistant and susceptible genotypes to Puccinia polysora fungi infection and the characterization of differences in protein expression profiles of seeds. Protein profiles of both genotypes were analyzed by a broad range of electrophoresis methods and we could identify 12 proteins differentially expressed in resistant genotype. Five of them were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 3 of them were identified as defense related proteins, a 96 kDa lipoxygenase, 66 kDa Vicilin-like protein and 70 kDa Heat-Shock protein. We also present a complementary study of QTL mapping for identification of regulatory genes controlling DIMBOA synthesis in maize. In this study is shown a linkage map of a F2 population resultant from crossing between two maize lines presenting high DIMBOA production and low DIMBOA production. This map presents 1432,9 centimorgans and was constructed using 123 SSR markers. Using this map we could identify four QTLs possibly related with DIMBOA production, one QTL on bin 1.08 of chromossome 1, two QTLs on bins 6.01 and 6.02 on chromossome 6, and one last QTL on bin 10.05 on chromossome 10 / Doutorado / Bioquimica / Doutor em Biologia Funcional e Molecular

No description available.

Genetically modified (GM) white and yellow maize, Zea mays, has been commercially released and cultivated in South Africa since 1997/1998. The traits expressed are insect resistance and herbicide tolerance conferred by the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry genes and Agrobacterium 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase gene, respectively. The Cry genes have been used widely to control lepidopteran insect pests but insect resistance to GM Bt crops has been a concern since the introduction of this technology. A management strategy includes refugia planting of 5% non-Bt plants, with no insecticide application, and 20%, where insecticide application is allowed. These refugia are designed to allow the survival of insect pests within restricted planted zones. However, in South Africa there are reports of Bt-resistant stem borer (Busseola fusca) (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and non-compliance with refuge planting. The aims of this study were two-fold: 1. To conduct a survey among KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) GM maize growers to ascertain information such as level of compliance with refuge planting and to determine which refugia were predominantly planted and reasons thereof; 2. To conduct a replicated field trial to determine yield, insect borer damage and economic benefit of the 5% unsprayed and 20% sprayed refuge options (including three configurations namely strip, perimeter and block and a 5 and 20% ‘refuge-in-a-bag’ option). The survey indicated that 28 out of 29 (96.6%) KZN Bt maize growers plant the 5% non-sprayed refuge with 27 (96.4%) of those respondents planting the strip configuration for the purpose of insect management (75%) and ease of planting (32.2%). The survey also showed that 7 (seven) i.e. 21.9% of KZN Bt maize growers observed borer damage and although growers are now fully compliant with refugia planting requirements, initially 7 respondents (24.1%) did not comply with or plant refugia correctly. Furthermore, 7 respondents reported insect borer damage in their maize with 4 of the 7 instances (57.1%) likely stemming from incorrectly planted refugia. vii No significant differences in yield or insect damage were observed between the 5 and 20% refugia for any of the planting configurations in the field trial. However due to costs involved with insecticide application and labour required for the operation in the 20% option, these treatments were less economically advantageous than the non-Bt control. The 20% block and strip configurations had a cost benefit ratio of ZAR 7.21 and ZAR 6.67 respectively, earned per R1 spent by the grower compared with ZAR 7.76 in the sprayed control. The cost-benefit comparison for the 5% block and strip configurations was ZAR 8.48 and ZAR 7.71, respectively compared with ZAR 9.44 in the unsprayed control. In addition, the 20% seed mixture limited borer damage to 4.95% when compared with 15.77% damage in the sprayed control (ANOVA, F pr = 0.124). The seed mixtures are not available commercially and the results from the survey indicated that some education and marketing by the seed companies would be advisable prior to their release to the farming community. In order to determine which of the refuge options between 5 and 20% would be more advantageous for growers overall, regardless of the planting configuration; data were grouped and analysed. There were no significant differences in either the yield or insect damage for the 5 and 20% refugia, but the cost-benefit calculations indicated that the 5% option was more cost effective – for the 5 and 20% refugia, ZAR 7.97 and ZAR 7.15 respectively, earned per ZAR 1 spent by the grower (ANOVA, F pr. = 0.03). This is because no insecticide was used in the 5% treatments. Mean ear damage comparisons between the 5 and 20% refugia showed that the 20% refuge in the perimeter configuration incurred the least damage (2.65% ear damage) compared with 5% perimeter (10.86% ear damage), although the reasons for this are not clear. While the results of the field trials showed no significant differences in insect damage and yield with regard to choice of refuge configuration, monitoring insect resistance management remains an integral part of Bt maize crops in South Africa, in order to delay further resistance development and to prolong the viability of Bt technology. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)