Research Project: Enhanced Resistance of Maize to Aspergillus flavus Infection, Aflatoxin Accumulation, and Insect Damage

Location: Corn Host Plant Resistance Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Alternative moth cage for small scale rearing of Southwestern Corn Borer - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Woolfolk, S.W., Martin, S.M. 2023. Alternative moth cage for small scale rearing of Southwestern Corn Borer. Southwestern Entomologist. 48(4):1011-1014. https://doi.org/10.3958/059.048.0424.

Genome resequencing facilitates high-resolution exploration of a maize quantitative trait locus for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Shan, X., Williams, W.P., Peterson, D.G. 2023. Genome resequencing facilitates high-resolution exploration of a maize quantitative trait locus for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Euphytica. 219(104:1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-023-03232-y.

Evaluation of germplasm lines of maize for resistance to fall armyworm and southwestern corn borer leaf-feeding damage - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Woolfolk, S.W., Matthews Jr, G.A., Williams, W.P. 2023. Evaluation of germplasm lines of maize for resistance to fall armyworm and southwestern corn borer leaf-feeding damage. Southwestern Entomologist. 48(2):347-352. https://doi.org/10.3958/059.048.0208.

Genes and genetic mechanisms contributing to fall armyworm resistance in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Warburton, M.L., Woolfolk, S.W., Smith, J.S., Hawkins, L.K., Castano-Duque, L.M., Lebar, M.D., Williams, W.P. 2023. Genes and genetic mechanisms contributing to fall armyworm resistance in maize. The Plant Genome. 16(2):e20311. https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20311.

Genome sequencing reveals evidence of adaptive variation in the genus Zea - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chen, L., Luo, J., Jin, M., Yang, N., Liu, X., Peng, Y., Li, W., Phillips, A., Cameron, B., Bernal, J.S., Rellán-Álvarez, R., Sawers, R.H., Qing, L., Yin, Y., Ye, X., Yan, J., Zhang, Q., Zhang, X., Wu, S., Gui, S., Wei, W., Wang, Y., Luo, Y., Jiang, C., Deng, M., Jin, M., Jian, L., Yu, Y., Zhang, M., Yang, X., Hufford, M.B., Fernie, A.R., Warburton, M.L., Ross-Ibarra, J., Yan, J. 2022. Genome sequencing reveals evidence of adaptive variation in the genus Zea. Nature Genetics. 54:1736-1745. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-022-01184-y.

Three types of genes underlying the game-tophyte factor1 locus cause unilateral cross incompatibility in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wang, Y., Li, W., Wang, L., Yan, J., Lu, G., Yang, N., Xu, J., Wang, Y., Gui, S., Chen, G., Li, S., Wu, C., Guo, T., Xiao, Y., Warburton, M.L., Fernie, A.R., Dresselhaus, T., Yan, J. 2022. Three types of genes underlying the game-tophyte factor1 locus cause unilateral cross incompatibility in maize. Nature Communications. 13(4498):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-32180-9.

Insect rearing production at USDA-ARS Crop Science Research Laboratory, Mississippi State - (Abstract Only)

Mining alleles for tar spot complex resistance from CIMMYT's maize germplasm bank - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Willcox, M.C., Burgueño, J.A., Jeffers, D., Rodriguez-Chanona, E., Guadarrama-Espinoza, A., Kehel, Z., Chepetla, D., Shrestha, R., Swarts, K., Hearne, S., Buckler IV, E.S., Chen, N.C. 2022. Mining alleles for tar spot complex resistance from CIMMYT's maize germplasm bank. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 6:937200. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.937200.

Application of reflectance spectroscopy to identify maize genotypes and aflatoxin levels in single kernels - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Aoun, M., Siegel, C., Windham, G.L., Williams, W.P., Nelson, R.J. 2022. Application of reflectance spectroscopy to identify maize genotypes and aflatoxin levels in single kernels. Food Control. 15(4):324-342. https://doi.org/10.3920/WMJ2021.2750.

Target-oriented prioritization: targeted selection strategy by integrating organismal and molecular traits through predictive analytics in breeding - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Yang, W., Guo, T., Luo, J., Zhang, R., Zhao, J., Warburton, M.L., Xiao, Y., Yan, J. 2022. Target-oriented prioritization: Targeted selection strategy by integrating organismal and molecular traits through predictive analytics in breeding. Genome Biology. 23. Article 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-022-02650-w.

Population genomics of Zea species identifies selection signatures during maize domestication and adaptation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Xu, G., Zhang, X., Chen, W., Zhang, R., Li, Z., Wen, W., Warburton, M.L., Li, J., Li, H., Yang, X. 2022. Population genomics of Zea species identifies selection signatures during maize domestication and adaptation. Genome Biology. 22:72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-022-03427-w.

Mapping QTL for aflatoxin accumulation resistance in two populations containing resistant maize inbred Mp717 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, J.S., Williams, W.P., Warburton, M.L., Windham, G.L., Xu, W., Bhattramakki, D. 2022. Mapping QTL for aflatoxin accumulation resistance in two populations containing resistant maize inbred Mp717. Crop Science. 62(2):780-791. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20695.

Aflatoxin accumulation in a maize diallel cross containing inbred lines with expired Plant Variety Protection - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, J.S., Williams, W.P. 2021. Aflatoxin accumulation in a maize diallel cross containing inbred lines with expired Plant Variety Protection. Agronomy. 11(11):2285. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112285.

Development and validation of diagnostic Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers for quality control (QC) genotyping in a collection of four rice species - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Gouda, A.C., Warburton, M.L., Djedatin, G.L., Kpeki, S.B., Wambugu, P.W., Gnikoua, K., Ndjiondjop, M.N. 2021. Development and validation of diagnostic Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers for quality control (QC) genotyping in a collection of four rice species. Scientific Reports. 11:18617. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97689-3.

Association mapping and pathway analysis of ear rot disease caused by Aspergillus flavus in a panel of tropical maize germplasm - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bertagna, F.B., Kuki, M.C., Neto, H.Z., Tessmann, D.J., Pinto, R.B., Scapim, C.A., Williams, W.P., Warburton, M.L. 2021. Association mapping and pathway analysis of ear rot disease caused by Aspergillus flavus in a panel of tropical maize germplasm. Crop Science. 61(6):4128-4138. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20629.

Genetic analysis of new maize hybrids for yield and resistance to aflatoxin accumulation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oppong, A., Dadzie, A.M., Ifie, B.E., Asante, M.D., Prempeh, R.A., Abrokwah, L.A., Kubi, Z.A., Marfo, E.A., Ananng, E.A., Warburton, M.L. 2021. Genetic analysis of new maize hybrids for yield and resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Journal of Agricultural Science. 13(10):15-30. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v13n10p15.

Characterization of a source of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ogunola, O.F., Smith, J.S., Xu, W., Bhattramakki, D., Jeffers, D., Williams, W.P., Warburton, M.L. 2021. Characterization of a source of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. 4(3):e20203. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20203.

Assessment of agro-morphological, physiological and yield traits diversity among tropical rice - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kakar, N., Bheemanahalli, R., Jumaa, S.H., Diaz Redoña, E., Warburton, M.L., Reddy, R.K. 2021. Assessment of agro-morphological, physiological and yield traits diversity among tropical rice. PeerJ. 9:e11752. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11752.

Reference gene selection for RT-qPCR analysis in maize kernels inoculated with Aspergillus flavus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oliveria, D.A., Tang, J.D., Warburton, M.L. 2021. Reference gene selection for RT-qPCR analysis in maize kernels inoculated with Aspergillus flavus. Toxins. 13(6):386. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13060386.

The genetic mechanism of heterosis utilization in maize improvement - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Xiao, Y., Jiang, S., Cheng, Q., Wang, X., Yan, J., Zhang, R., Qiao, F., Ma, C., Luo, J., Li, W., Liu, H., Yang, W., Song, W., Meng, Y., Warburton, M.L., Zhao, J., Wang, X., Yan, J. 2021. The genetic mechanism of heterosis utilization in maize improvement. Genome Biology. 22(148):1-29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-021-02370-7.

Genetic analysis of new maize hybrids for yield and resistance to aflatoxin accumulation - (Abstract Only)
Oppong, A., Dadzie, A.M., Asante, M.D., Prempeh, R., Abrokwah, L.A., Kubi, Z.A., Marfo, E.A., Annang, E.A., Warburton, M.L. 2021. Genetic analysis of new maize hybrids for yield and resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Maize Genetics Conference Abstracts. 13(10):15-30. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v13n10p15.

Aflatoxin accumulation in corn (Zea may L.) influenced by cultural production practices in the U.S. Mid-South - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Williams, J.J., Henry, W.B., Smith, J.S., Buehring, N.W., Boykin, D.L. 2021. Aflatoxin accumulation in corn (Zea may L.) influenced by cultural production practices in the U.S. Mid-South. Crop Science. 61:729-738. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20330.

Validated markers for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) breeding - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rauf, S., Warburton, M.L., Naeem, A., Kainat, W. 2020. Validated markers for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) breeding. OCL - Oilseeds & fats, Crops and Lipids. 27. Article 47. https://doi.org/10.1051/ocl/2020042.

Phenotypic plasticity contributes to maize adaptation and heterosis - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Liu, N., Du, Y., Warburton, M.L., Xiao, Y., Yan, J. 2020. Phenotypic plasticity contributes to maize adaptation and heterosis. Molecular Biology and Evolution. 38(4):1262-1275. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaa283.

Comparisons of sampling methods for assessing intra and inter-accession genetic diversity in three rice species using genotyping by sequencing - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Gouda, A.C., Ndjiondjop, M.N., Djedatin, G., Warburton, M.L., Goungoulou, A., Kpeki, S.B., N'Diaye, A., Semagn, K. 2020. Comparisons of sampling methods for assessing intra and inter-accession genetic diversity in three rice species using genotyping by sequencing. Scientific Reports. 10:13995. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70842-0.

Evaluation of rice genotypes for early- and mid-season vigor using morphological and physiological traits - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jumaa, S.H., Sehgal, A., Kakar, N., Redoña, E.D., Chastain, D., Warburton, M.L., Reddy, K.R. 2020. Evaluation of rice genotypes for early- and mid-season vigor using morphological and physiological traits. Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. 64(3):319-345.

PAST: the Pathway Association Study Tool for interpreting GWAS data in light of metabolic pathway data - (Abstract Only)
Warburton, M.L., Thrash, A., Andorf, C.M. 2020. PAST: the Pathway Association Study Tool for interpreting GWAS data in light of metabolic pathway data. 62nd Maize Genetics Conference Abstracts. P222.

Assessing the early-season vigor of a diverse rice population by using morphophysiological traits - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jumaa, S.H., Kakar, N., Redona, E.D., Lone, A.A., Chastain, D., Gao, W., Warburton, M.L., Reddy, K. 2020. Assessing the early-season vigor of a diverse rice population by using morphophysiological traits. SABRAO J. of Breeding and Genetics. 52(3):248-270.

A pathway association study tool for GWAS analyses of metabolic pathway information - (Other)
Thrash, A., Warburton, M.L. 2020. A pathway association study tool for GWAS analyses of metabolic pathway information. The Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE). 161:e61268. https://doi.org/10.3791/61268.

Low-cost grain sorting technologies to reduce mycotoxin contamination in maize and groundnut - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Aoun, M., Stafstrom, W., Priest, P., Fuchs, J., Windham, G.L., Williams, W.P., Nelson, R.J. 2020. Low-cost grain sorting technologies to reduce mycotoxin contamination in maize and groundnut. Food Control. 118:1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107363.

Genetic variants and underlying mechanism influencing variance heterogeneity in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Wang, M., Li, W., He, L., Zhou, Y., Zhu, J., Ronghui, C., Warburton, M.L., Yang, X., Yan, J. 2020. Genetic variants and underlying mechanism influencing variance heterogeneity in maize. Plant Journal. 103(3):1089–1102. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.14786.

Harlan’s Crops and Man: People, plants and their domestication - (Book / Chapter)
Stalker, T.H., Warburton, M.L., Harlan, J.R. 2021. Harlan’s Crops and Man: People, plants and their domestication. 3rd edition. Madison, WI: Crop Science Society of America. 320 p.

Analyzing combining abilities and heterotic groups among Ghanaian maize landraces for yield and resistance/tolerance to Maize Streak Virus Disease - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oppong, A., Appiah-Kubi, D., Ifie, B.E., Abrokwah, L.A., Ofori, K., Offei, S.K., Adu-Dappah, H., Mochiah, M.B., Warburton, M.L. 2020. Analyzing combining abilities and heterotic groups among Ghanaian maize landraces for yield and resistance/tolerance to Maize Streak Virus Disease. Maydica. 6(3):1-10. Available: https://journals-crea.4science.it/index.php/maydica/article/view/1985.

Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize inbred Mp719 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Womack, E.D., Williams, W.P., Windham, G.L., Xu, W. 2020. Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize inbred Mp719. Frontiers in Microbiology. 11(11):1-8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00045.

CUBIC: an atlas of genetic architecture promises directed maize improvement - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Liu, H., Wang, X., Xiao, Y., Luo, J., Qiao, F., Yang, W., Zhang, R., Meng, Y., Sun, J., Yan, S., Peng, Y., Niu, L., Jian, L., Song, W., Yan, J., Li, C., Zhao, Y., Liu, Y., Warburton, M.L., Zhao, J., Yan, J. 2020. CUBIC: an atlas of genetic architecture promises directed maize improvement. Genome Biology. 21(20):1-17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-020-1930-x.

PAST - pathway association studies tool to infer biological meaning from GWAS datasets - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Thrash, A., Tang, J.D., DeOrnellis, M., Peterson, D.G., Warburton, M.L. 2020. PAST - pathway association studies tool to infer biological meaning from GWAS datasets. Plants. 9:58. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010058.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for resistance to fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) leaf-feeding damage in maize inbred Mp705 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Womack, E.D., Williams, W.P., Smith, J.S., Warburton, M.L., Bhattramakki, D. 2020. Mapping quantitative trait loci for resistance to fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) leaf-feeding damage in maize inbred Mp705. Journal of Economic Entomology. 113(2):956-963. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toz357.

Differential expression of signaling pathway genes associated with aflatoxin reduction quantitative trait loci in maize (Zea mays L.) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Parish, F., Williams, W.P., Windham, G.L., Shan, X. 2019. Differential expression of signaling pathway genes associated with aflatoxin reduction quantitative trait loci in maize (Zea mays L.). Frontiers in Microbiology. 10:Article 2683. pgs. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02683.

Differential expression of signaling pathway genes associated with aflatoxin reduction quantitative trait loci in maize (Zea mays L.) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Parish, F., Williams, W.P., Windham, G.L., Shan, X. 2019. Differential expression of signaling pathway genes associated with aflatoxin reduction quantitative trait loci in maize (Zea mays L.). Frontiers in Microbiology. 10(2683):1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02683.

Evaluating rice for salinity using pot-culture provides a systematic tolerance assessment at the seedling stage - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kakar, N., Jumaa, S.H., Redona, E.D., Warburton, M.L., K. Raja, R. 2019. Evaluating rice for salinity using pot-culture provides a systematic tolerance assessment at the seedling stage. Rice. 12:57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12284-019-0317-7.

Distribution and genetic diversity among Aspergillus flavus isolates across three agro-ecologies essential for maize cultivation in Ghana - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dadzie, M.A., Oppong, A., Ofori, K., Eleblu, J., Beatrice, E., Blay, E., Obeng-Bio, E., Appiah-Kubi, Z., Warburton, M.L. 2019. Distribution and genetic diversity among Aspergillus flavus isolates across three agro-ecologies essential for maize cultivation in Ghana. Plant Pathology. 68(8):1565–1576. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.13067.

Inheritance study for popping expansion in popcorn vs. flint corn genotypes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Coan, M.M., Pinto, R.J., Kuki, M.C., do Amaral Júnior, A.T., Figueiredo, S.T., Scapim, C.A., Warburton, M.L. 2019. Inheritance study for popping expansion in popcorn vs. flint corn genotypes. Agronomy Journal. 111(5):2174-2183. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2019.04.0295.

Development of drought-tolerant breeding lines derived from Helianthus annuus × H. argophyllus interspecific crosses - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hussain, M.M., Rauf, S., Warburton, M.L. 2019. Development of drought-tolerant breeding lines derived from Helianthus annuus × H. argophyllus interspecific crosses. Plant Breeding. 138(6):862-879. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbr.12731.

Identification of quantitative trait loci contributing resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize inbred Mp715 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, J.S., Williams, W.P., Windham, G.L., Xu, W., Warburton, M.L., Bhattramakki, D. 2019. Identification of quantitative trait loci contributing resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize inbred Mp715. Molecular Breeding. 39:91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-019-0997-0.

Distribution of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin accumulation in stored maize grains across three agro-ecologies in Ghana - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dadzie, M.A., Oppong, A., Ofori, K., Eleblu, J., Ifie, E.B., Blay, E., Obeng-Bio, E., Appiah-Kubi, Z., Warburton, M.L. 2019. Distribution of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin accumulation in stored maize grains across three agro-ecologies in Ghana. Food Control. 104:91-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.04.035.

Leveraging GWAS data to identify metabolic pathways and pathway networks involved in maize lipid biosynthesis - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Thrash, A., Tang, J., He, L., Yan, J., Warburton, M.L. 2019. Leveraging GWAS data to identify metabolic pathways and pathway networks involved in maize lipid biosynthesis. Plant Journal. 98(5):853-863. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.14282.

Provitamin A carotenoids in grain reduce aflatoxin contamination of maize while combating vitamin A deficiency - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Suwarno, W.B., Hannok, P., Palacios-Rojas, N., Windham, G.L., Crossa, J., Pixley, K.V. 2019. Provitamin A carotenoids in grain reduce aflatoxin contamination of maize while combating vitamin A deficiency. Frontiers in Plant Science. 10:12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00030.

Aflatoxin in maize: a review of the early literature from "moldy-corn toxicosis" to the genetics of aflatoxin accumulation resistance - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, J.S., Williams, W.P., Windham, G.L. 2019. Aflatoxin in maize: a review of the early literature from "moldy-corn toxicosis" to the genetics of aflatoxin accumulation resistance. Mycotoxin Research. 35:111-128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12550-018-00340-w.