Maize Gibberella ear rot resistance gene identification and cloning platform
Research platform at Nanjing Agricultural University focused on identifying and cloning resistance genes for Gibberella ear rot (GER) and DON contamination in maize using linkage mapping, GWAS, and RNA-seq approaches with Chinese elite lines.
Overview
This research program addresses Gibberella ear rot (GER), one of the most devastating maize diseases worldwide, caused by Fusarium graminearum. The work focuses on identifying and cloning resistance genes for both GER resistance and DON (deoxynivalenol) mycotoxin contamination in Chinese elite maize lines. A novel and stable QTL, designated qGER4.09, has been identified and colocalized with genomic regions previously associated with Fusarium and Aspergillus ear rot resistance. The program offers collaboration opportunities for partners seeking to develop resistant maize varieties and reduce mycotoxin contamination in the food and feed supply chain.
Technical specifications
Key research capabilities:
- RIL population of 204 lines constructed from Chinese elite lines with contrasting GER phenotypes
- Natural population of 252 inbred lines, approximately half sourced from China
- qGER4.04 QTL anchored between markers PZE-104123745 and SYN22075, spanning 34.69 cM genetic distance and 34.11 Mb physical distance in the B73 RefGen_v4 genome assembly
- QTL validated across three locations and confirmed using two F2 populations
- 1,261,580 SNPs filtered with minor allele frequency of 0.05 for association mapping
- UPLC-based DON content quantification platform
- RNA-seq analysis using parental lines D4866 and T877, plus 20 extreme phenotype lines from the natural population at multiple infection time points
- Backcrossing populations for fine-mapping candidate genomic regions
Technology readiness level
The research is currently at the gene discovery and validation stage. A stable QTL has been identified and validated across multiple environments and populations. Future validation plans include fine-mapping via backcrossing populations, GWAS for DON content, and joint RNA-seq analysis to pinpoint candidate resistance genes. The program is positioned for collaborative development toward functional gene validation and potential application in maize breeding programs.
About Nanjing Agricultural University
Nanjing Agricultural University is a public research university with an agricultural focus in Nanjing, advancing national and regional priorities through integrated basic-to-applied research and field training. Industry engages through experimental farms, field stations, controlled-environment facilities, and pilot processing spaces for prototyping and scale‑up. An industry liaison team supports sponsored research, testing services, and joint labs, while regional demonstration sites speed on‑farm trials across the Yangtze River Delta. Research is supported by national and provincial programs, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology. A technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup incubation.
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