Evaluation of Maize Germ Plasm for Resistance to Maize Rayado Fino Virus

Abstract

Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) causes severe yield losses in maize (Zea mays) in Latin America with reductions of 40–50% on indigenous genotypes and 100% in some new cultivars. A collection of 20 different maize genotypes were obtained from the Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT, México), Estación Experimental Fabio Baudrit (EEFB-Alajuela), and the Consejo Nacional de la Producción (CNP-Costa Rica). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and symptom severity were used to evaluate the responses of the maize genotypes to MRFV infection under screenhouse conditions. Two genotypes from the CIMMYT germ plasm collection (accession nos. 2980-93 and 3974) showed mild and delayed symptoms and low MRFV concentrations as determined by ELISA.