Molecular Pathogens, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 69-76 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 69 Meta Analysis Open Access Meta-Analysis of Resistance Genes in Maize Against Fungal Diseases Baixin Song , Jiayi Wu Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding author: baixin.song@cuixi.org Molecular Pathogens, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mp.2025.16.0009 Received: 12 Mar., 2025 Accepted: 15 Apr., 2025 Published: 23 Apr., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Song and Wu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Song B.X., and Wu J.Y., 2025, Meta-analysis of resistance genes in maize against fungal diseases, Molecular Pathogens, 16(2): 69-76 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2025.16.0008) Abstract This study provides a comprehensive overview of the major fungal diseases affecting maize, including common rust (Puccinia sorghi), southern leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis), and Fusarium ear rot and stalk rot (Fusarium spp.). It identifies and analyzes quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and major resistance (R) genes associated with fungal disease resistance, delving into the molecular mechanisms of resistance, such as pathogen recognition, activation of signal transduction pathways, and the role of defense-related genes. Research indicates that environmental and agronomic factors significantly influence the expression of resistance genes, with factors such as soil stress, climate change, and agronomic practices playing critical roles in regulating gene expression and disease resistance. Case studies and field applications demonstrate the successful integration of resistance genes into commercial maize varieties, providing practical insights from regional breeding programs. By summarizing key resistance genes and their practical applications, this study aims to guide the development of fungal disease-resistant maize varieties, thereby ensuring yield stability and enhancing global food security. Keywords Maize fungal diseases; Resistance genes; Quantitative trait loci (QTLs); Molecular mechanisms of resistance; Agronomic practices 1 Introduction Corn is a very important crop all over the world. However, many fungal diseases have a great impact on its yield and quality. Fungi such as Fusarium, Aspergillus and Corn Black Powder can cause problems such as spike rot, aflatoxin contamination and sputum. These diseases not only reduce corn yields, but may also cause mycotoxin pollution, which is not safe for the health of humans and animals (Akohoue and Miedaner, 2022; Baisakh et al., 2023). Some studies have pointed out that these diseases will cause a lot of global corn production to be reduced every year and will suffer a lot of economic losses (Yao et al., 2020). One of the most effective ways to control these diseases is to develop a disease-resistant corn variety. Compared with the use of fungicides, breeding of disease-resistant varieties is more environmentally friendly and more sustainable. Research has found that some resistance genes can help corn initiate defense mechanisms, such as generating disease-resistant substances or initiating immune responses, thereby increasing resistance to pathogens (Kumar et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2022). If these disease-resistant genes can be screened out and utilized well through breeding, less fungicides can be used, which is more conducive to the development of ecological agriculture (Yang et al., 2018; Ma et al., 2022). The main goal of this study was to identify important genes and quantitative trait sites (QTLs) related to corn fungal disease resistance and see how they perform in different environments. We will also analyze which genes and pathways are effective for a variety of pathogens, hoping to provide a basis for subsequent cultivation of more disease-resistant corn varieties, thereby helping to increase yields and ensure food security. 2 Major Fungal Diseases in Maize 2.1 Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) Common rust is a common leaf disease on corn, caused by a fungus called Puccinia sorghi. It has a particularly great impact on some corn varieties and can easily lead to production reduction. After getting sick, many small
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