Kernels from two maize populations, MAS:gk and MAS:pw,nf, showed signi
ficant postharvest resistance to aflatoxin contamination by Aspergillu
s flavus but showed no significant inter-population variation for this
resistance. Growth of A. flavus on both populations was significantly
less than on susceptible control lines. Kernels from the resistant po
pulations retained resistance when wounded through the pericarp prior
to inoculation with A. flavus, despite the fact that the exposed endos
perm supported good fungal growth. Kernels from these populations also
retained resistance when they were acetone washed before inoculation.
Resistance to aflatoxin contamination was lost in kernels that were a
utoclaved, crushed, or embryo wounded. All assays were incubated under
conditions favorable to kernel germination. Results suggest that post
harvest resistance to aflatoxin contamination in these two populations
is related to metabolic activities of the living com embryo.