Native maize genotypes for insect-resistance breeding against large grain borer and maize weevil
Discovery of novel genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic bases of natural insect resistance in native maize genotypes to support breeding programs targeting large grain borer and maize weevil, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides and hermetic storage for smallholder farmers.
Overview
Maize is the world's largest staple crop, yet insect pests cause losses ranging from 40% to 80% of total production. While chemical insecticides and hermetic storage structures can mitigate these losses, they are often inaccessible to smallholder farmers. This research program seeks to uncover the natural resistance mechanisms in native maize genotypes, enabling the development of insect-resistant varieties through breeding. By combining metabolomic, proteomic, and genomic approaches, the work aims to identify the biochemical, genetic, and biophysical traits responsible for resistance against two of the most damaging storage pests: the large grain borer and the maize weevil.
Technical specifications
The research integrates multiple analytical approaches to characterize insect resistance in maize kernels:
- Metabolomic profiling to identify resistance-associated compounds such as aromatic amides and hydroxycinnamic acids previously linked to resistance in Caribbean landraces
- Proteomic analysis to characterize proteins involved in defense, including gamma-zeins, extensins, hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, and peroxidases
- Genomic screening of native maize genotypes to discover novel genetic bases of resistance
- Biophysical trait assessment of kernel characteristics including hardness, pericarp thickness, and pericarp toughness
- Breeding strategy based on interaction with insect pests and recurrent selection across generations
Technology readiness level
The project is at an early-to-mid research stage. Prior studies in Caribbean landraces have established associations between specific compounds and proteins with insect resistance, providing a validated foundation. Future work will proceed through four stages: (1) identification of native genotypes with insect-resistance, (2) breeding via pest-interaction and recurrent selection, (3) tracking resistance factors across breeding generations using proteomic and metabolomic methods, and (4) defining the functional role of identified resistance factors as insecticide or repellent compounds and novel biophysical traits. The program is positioned to deliver improved maize lines and characterized resistance markers suitable for further development and deployment.
About Tecnológico de Monterrey
Tecnológico de Monterrey is a leading private, multi-campus research university in Mexico, recognized for entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. Its Monterrey headquarters anchors an urban innovation district with open lab space, prototyping, and shared testing facilities that welcome corporate collaborators. An integrated health system supports clinical research and translation, while structured internships and challenge-driven partnerships connect companies with faculty and student talent year-round. Research is supported by competitive federal funding through Mexico’s national science and technology council, along with industry contracts and international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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