Evaluation of Eight Genotypes of Corn for the Commercial Cultivation of Huitlacoche in Nopalucan, Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

The infection caused by Ustilago maydis, commonly called huitlacoche, appears in regions of Mexico that produce corn (Zea mays) during seasonal conditions. The infection leads to form galls with high levels of proteins, amino acids, and minerals, providing important benefits to nutrition, and it is also becoming relevant due to its high commercial value, becoming a potential crop for Mexico, Central America, and the United States. The objectives of the present investigation are to evaluate the potential yield per hectare (Kg ha−1) based on the incidence percentage (PI), and severity index (ISE) in eight genotypes of corn, as well as performing proximal chemical analysis and mineral element analysis with the galls obtained via inoculation of the MA-Um1 strain of U. maydis. The experimental unit is made up of eight subgroups of 250 plants here, considering four hybrid and four Creole genotypes of corn used by producers in open fields in Nopalucan, Puebla, Mexico. The Creole creamy-white corn achieved the highest production of huitlacoche (12,759.21 Kg ha−1) here, obtaining an incidence percentage of 73.90%; the highest caloric content (39.90 Kcal per 100 g of fresh mushroom) was recorded in the galls produced from the Asgrow Hawk hybrid, while the highest concentration of zinc (2.33 mg per 100 g) was presented by the AS-722 hybrid.

A New Method to Obtain Infective Ustilago maydis Binucleate Conidia for Corn Smut Production

“…This indicates that the dikaryotic strains under study show a promising infective potential. Garcilazo [15] reported PI values of 79-88.70%. Salazar et al reported higher PI values when inoculating Cobra hybrid (85.83%), Oso (84.50%), A7573 (78.52%), criollo R12 (85.00%), B7 (83.37%), and B3 (73.05%).…”

“…With respect to the severity index (ISE), Madrigal et al [7] reported an ISE value of 90% in the hybrid H-58 corn strain in a density of 62,500 plants/ha. Garcilazo [15] reported infection rates of 75% with hybrid corn varieties. In this study, ISE ranged from 75 to 100%, with significant differences with respect to the control strain, in a density of 60,000 plants/ha.…”