Detoxification of aflatoxin B in corn by chlorine dioxide gas.

Chlorine dioxide (ClO) gas was utilized for detoxifying aflatoxin B (AFB) in corn for the first time. Four degradation compounds were identified by LC-MS as CHO, CHO, CHO, and CHO. Structurally, the biological activity of ClO-treated AFB was removed due to the disappearance of C8-C9 double bond in the furan ring and the modification of cyclopentanone and methoxy after ClO treatment.

Mutation Leads the Misregulation of Anther Cuticle Formation by Disrupting Lipid Metabolism in Maize.

The anther cuticle, which is mainly composed of lipid polymers, functions as physical barriers to protect genetic material intact; however, the mechanism of lipid biosynthesis in maize () anther remains unclear. Herein, we report a male sterile mutant, (), in maize. It was shown that the mutant displayed a defective anther tapetum development and premature microspore degradation.

Non-structural carbohydrates in maize with different nitrogen tolerance are affected by nitrogen addition.

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are an important energy source for plant growth and metabolism. Analysis of NSC changes can provide important clues to reveal the adaptation mechanisms of plants to a specific environment. Although considerable differences have been reported in NSCs in response to nitrogen (N) application among crop species and cultivars, previous studies have mostly focused on the differences in leaves and stems.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of the defense response to gray leaf spot disease in maize.

Background: Gray leaf spot (GLS), which is caused by the necrotrophic fungi Cercospora zeae-maydis and Cercospora zeina, is one of the most impactful diseases in maize worldwide. The aim of the present study is to identify the resistance genes and understand the molecular mechanisms for GLS resistance.

Results: Two cultivars, 'Yayu889' and 'Zhenghong532,' which are distinguished as resistant and susceptible cultivars, respectively, were challenged with the GLS disease and a RNA-seq experiment was conducted on infected plants at 81, 89, 91, and 93 days post planting (dap).

Cultivar Differences in Root Nitrogen Uptake Ability of Maize Hybrids.

Although, considerable differences in root size in response to nitrogen (N) application among crop species and cultivars have been widely reported, there has been limited focus on the differences in root N uptake ability. In this study, two maize ( L.) hybrids, Zhenghong 311 (ZH 311, N-efficient) and Xianyu 508 (XY 508, N-inefficient), were used to compare differences in root N uptake ability.