The variability of bx1 DIMBOA biosynthesis gene in maize inbred lines

Abstract

2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) is a secondary metabolite in plants that renders defense against phytopatogenic bacteria, fungi, insects and other pest organisms. The biosynthesis of DIMBOA is controlled by nine genes, the first bx1 gene governs the transcription of a key enzyme in DIMBOA biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to genotype maize inbred lines used in breeding programmes for the presence of resistant allele in order to identify the source of biotic stress resistance. The variability of bx1 gene was assessed in a set of 96 diverse inbred lines with a functional microsatellite marker umc1022 located in bx1 gene. Two marker alleles, the length of 91 and 97 bp, were found in the majority of inbred lines, the former being predominant among Lancaster inbred lines and the latter in the BSSS heterotic group. By comparing previous findings on the inbred lines with high level of DIMBOA and resistance with the pedigree information of the maize inbred lines analyzed in this study, we postulated that the allele 91 bp could be associate with DIMBOA accumulation and pest resistance. The DIMBOA quantification and evaluation of pest infestations in field trials are needed to verify our results.

Keywords

• benzoxaziniods
• genotyping
• maize
• microsatellites
• resistance