Correlation of Kernel (E)-Ferulic Acid Content of Maize with Resistance to<i>Fusarium graminearum</i>

The relationship between (E)-ferulic acid content in kernels of 19 inbreds of maize (Zea mays), chosen to represent a taxonomic and latitudinal series showing variation, and resistance to infection by Fusarium graminearum was investigated. A negative, significant correlation (1988: r=-0.68, P=0.002, and n=57; 1991: r=-0.71, P=0.002, and n=57) was found between the amount of ear rot observed in field trials and the amount of (E)-ferulic acid detected in kernels by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPIC) analysis. Furthermore, fungal growth in vitro was greatly decreased when pure (E)-ferulic acid was added to artificial media; the effective concentration for 50% inhibition of growth (EC 50 ) was 0.65 mg/g [...]