Association between Aspergillus flavus Colonization and Aflatoxins Production in Immature Grains of Maize Genotypes

Aspergillus flavus maize colonization leads to crop contamination by toxic secondary metabolites and carcinogens called aflatoxins （AF）; it has negative effects in public health and has caused economic losses in agricultural activities. Eleven genotypes of immature maize grain frequently used in Mexico were inoculated in vitro with two indigenous toxigenic strains ofA. flavus. The size of inoculum, temperature, humidity and presence of other phytopathogens were assessed. Genotypes Popcorn, C-526, Garst 8366, As910 and 30G40 showed resistance to rating of fungal colonization （FC） and AF accumulation, while 3002W, 30R39, Creole, C-922, HV313 and P3028W genotypes were less resistant. AFB~ had the highest concentrations （26.1 mg/kg ± 14.7 mg/kg）, while AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 showed only residual concentrations 1.6, 2.0 and 4.0 ~tg/kg, respectively. Concerning FC and AF, there were significant differences （P 〈 0.01） between strains and genotype. Both strains showed significant association （P 〈 0.01） between FC and the concentrations of AFB1 and AFB2 （R2： 99.5% and 93.2%; 87.2% and 73.2%, respectively）. Results suggest that the level of resistance to fungus infection and AF accumulation is related to maize genotype. It emphasizes the relevance of developing A. flavus resistant maize genotypes as an alternative to control contamination in foodstuff intended for human and animal consumption.