There is not any conclusive result about the most suitable trait for performing pedigree selection for improving maize performance against corn borer attack: tunnel length or stalk breakage. We have used simultaneously both selection traits in the same genetic backgrounds and the objective of the present work has been to compare the suitability of pedigree selection for tunnel length and stalk breakage in order to obtain inbred lines that per se and in hybrid combination show lower stem damage and good agronomic performance. Tunnel length is better as selection criteria for increasing resistance to corn borers, but, in some genetic backgrounds, genetic linkage between yield and stalk tunneling by stem borers could make that selection for reduced tunnel length resulted in significant yield reductions.