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Insect and pathogen attack and resistance in maize and its wild ancestors, the teosintes
Author(s) -
Lange Elvira S.,
Balmer Dirk,
MauchMani Brigitte,
Turlings Ted C. J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.13005
Subject(s) - biology , resistance (ecology) , germplasm , zea mays , insect , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , agronomy
Summary Maize ( Z ea mays ssp. mays ) is one of the most important crops worldwide and there are many reports in the literature on its constitutive and inducible defenses against pathogens and insects. However, research on its wild ancestors, the teosintes, with respect to resistance against these antagonists is limited. Here, we review what is known about the different arthropods and microbes that are associated with maize and teosintes in M exico and C entral A merica, the area of origin, and evaluate the plants' mechanisms of resistance against biotic stresses. Teosintes appear to have greater resistance against a number of pests than their cultivated counterpart. We therefore highlight the need to study the teosintes in order to identify resistance traits that can be improved in maize. As teosintes are at risk of becoming extinct, there is a need to protect their germplasm for future generations.