QTL IDENTIFICATION FOR MARKER ASSISTED SELECTION OF CORN (ZEA MAYS L.) HUSK TRAITS ASSOCIATED WITH FUSARIUM SPP DISEASES RESISTANCE

Fusarium Ear Rot (FER) caused by Fusarium verticillioides and Gibberella Ear Rot (GER) caused by Fusarium graminearum are two of the most important corn diseases in corn in the Northen Italian environment. These diseases significantly reduce yields and contaminate grain with mycotoxins in particular fumonisins, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. In this PHD thesis role of husk traits like husk number, husk coverage, and husk tightness have been explored to understand their possible effect in providing resistance to these pathogens. Two different experiment was conducted across multiple locations in Northern Italy to explore the traits associated with disease resistance in hybrids and inbreds. Phenotypic data analysis on hybrids was conducted to understand the possible correlation between husk traits and FER resistance. Statistical analyses revealed significant correlations between husk coverage and reduced disease severity, particularly in location with high disease pressure. Starting from these interesting results a second experiment was conducted on inbreds. Phenotypic and genotypic data was collected in 2-year multi-locations testing network. The aim was to identify, through a high-density genotyping analysis, novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with husk traits and GER disease resistance. Informative markers was found associated with husk number, husk cover and ear attitude in correlation with GER resistance. These findings provide valuable insights for corn breeders to develop more resistant varieties through marker-assisted selection, ultimately enhancing the sustainability and profitability of corn production in Italy.