The characterization of corn inbred lines for disease resistance represents a fundamental basis for advances in genetic improvement programs. In an agricultural context marked by increasing production demands, intensified cropping systems, and increasingly complex phytosanitary challenges, understanding the mechanisms that confer resistance to the main foliar diseases affecting corn is essential.
This book emerged from the development of a doctoral research project in which the comprehensive evaluation of corn inbred lines yielded not only scientifically relevant findings but also highlighted the necessity to systematize and disseminate information that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Accordingly, this work was conceived with the objective of expanding the accessibility of scientific evidence, fostering the integration of research, education, and agricultural practice.
The primary objective of this book is to present the conceptual and methodological foundations for the characterization of corn inbred lines with respect to disease resistance, enabling readers to critically interpret phytopathological assessment criteria and the genetic principles that govern the selection of superior inbred lines. The content is structured to integrate concepts from genetic improvement and plant pathology, thereby providing an applied and strategic framework for these disciplines. This book is intended for individuals with an academic or professional interest in corn genetic improvement and plant pathology, including students, researchers, and practitioners involved in the development of disease-resistant cultivars adapted to diverse production environments. The chapter organization supports both sequential reading and targeted consultation, depending on the specific objectives of the reader.
This work is expected to serve as a foundational reference for research in plant pathology applied to corn inbred lines, promoting further investigation, methodological advancement, and scientific contributions that foster the development of sustainable agricultural systems.