Research progress and breeding application of resistance genetics to ear rot in maize

Ear rot is a significant disease in maize production, with ramifications for both yield and quality. Furthermore, the toxin produced by the pathogen poses a threat to human and animal health. The most efficacious method of controlling ear rot is to breed and plant highly resistant varieties of maize. A significant number of researchers have conducted in-depth studies on the resistance candidate genes and molecular genetic mechanisms in response to dominant pathogens. QTL and significant associated SNP loci related to ear rot resistance have been reported on all 10 chromosomes of maize. However, due to the complexity of pathogen infection and the fact that resistance is quantitative trait locus-controlled trait influenced by multiple genes, there are few examples of such research being applied to disease-resistant breeding. The present paper introduces the main pathogens of corn ear rot, their geographical distribution, factors influencing disease incidence, and toxin hazards. The present paper constitutes a review of recent research progress in the identification of FER (fusarium ear rot, FER) and GER (gibberella ear rot, GER) resistance genes and their molecular genetic mechanisms. Moreover, it provides an outlook for disease-resistant breeding. Advances in multi-omics joint analysis and the application of new biological technologies are expected to promote the identification of major resistance genes and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms. Consequently, this may lead to the accelerated creation of resistance germplasm and breeding for resistance to ear rot in maize.