Evaluation of Maize Genotypes against Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Incited by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii Exner (Cantharellales: Ceratobasidiaceae) Under Artificial Epiphytotic Conditions, India

Abstract

Zea mays L. (Poales) is one of the most important cereal crops belongs to Poaceae family with very high potential for yield. Production of maize is hampered by a major constraint and devastating disease banded leaf and sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the maize genotypes under field conditions at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal (India). A set of fifty seven genotypes (hybrids/inbred lines) were screened against banded leaf and sheath blight during kharif 2020 and 2021 under artificial epiphytotic conditions. The severity of banded leaf and sheath blight was recorded following 1-9 scale and genotypes evaluated categorized into four groups viz., resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible based on their disease reaction. Out of fifty seven genotypes screened against BLSB, eight inbred lines viz., HKI 161, HKI-163, HKI-193-2, HKI-288-2, HKI-295, HKI-488, HKI-1344 and HKI 1352 (58-9-2)-2 found resistant and seventeen maize inbred lines were moderately resistant, whereas two hybrids (HQPM-4 and HKI-1040-7 x HKI 659-3) showed resistant reaction and ten maize hybrids were moderately resistant. Thus, these resistant/ moderately resistant maize genotypes can be further use in maize breeding program to develop durable BLSB resistant varieties.

Genetic diversity and resistance assessment among maize genotypes against banded leaf and sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) utilizing SSR markers

“…In a field trial conducted by Malik (2016) in Haryana, India, out of 30 inbred lines and seven hybrids screened, only four inbred lines and one hybrid were found resistant to BLSB. Findings from the present study align with previous work published by Kumar, Mehra, Kumari, Sharma, et al (2022), in which among 57 maize inbred/hybrids tested, only eight inbred lines (HKI 193‐2, HKI 1352 (58‐9‐2)‐2, HKI 488, HKI 163, HKI 295, HKI 1344, HKI 161 and HKI 288‐2) and two hybrids (HKI 1040‐7 × HKI 659‐3 and HQPM 4) were recorded as resistant, whereas 17 maize inbred lines and 10 maize hybrids were found moderately resistant to BLSB. These findings collectively contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop durable resistance against BLSB in maize, with implications for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.…”

“…In a field trial conducted by Malik (2016) in Haryana, India, out of 30 inbred lines and seven hybrids screened, only four inbred lines and one hybrid were found resistant to BLSB. Findings from the present study align with previous work published by Kumar, Mehra, Kumari, Sharma, et al (2022), in which among 57 maize inbred/ hybrids tested, only eight inbred lines (HKI 193-2, HKI 1352 (58-9-2)-2, HKI 488, HKI 163, HKI 295, HKI 1344, HKI 161 andHKI 288-2) and two hybrids (HKI 1040-7 × HKI 659-3 and HQPM 4)…”

“…In cases where the ear rot phase becomes predominant, yield losses can even reach up to 100% (Hooda et al, 2017;Kumar, Mehra, et al, 2021;Payak & Sharma, 1980;Sharma et al, 2004). Particularly in Haryana, heavy rainfall during July and August exacerbates this situation (Kumar, Mehra, & Kumari, 2022d;Mehra et al, 2012). Moreover, the lack of resistance in maize germplasm further complicates this concerning scenario.…”

“…BLSB can result in significant grain yield losses, ranging from 7.6% to 64.8% (Dai et al, 2017; Gao et al, 2014). In cases where the ear rot phase becomes predominant, yield losses can even reach up to 100% (Hooda et al, 2017; Kumar, Mehra, et al, 2021; Kumar, Mehra, Kumari, & Yadav, 2022; Payak & Sharma, 1980; Sharma et al, 2004). Particularly in Haryana, heavy rainfall during July and August exacerbates this situation (Kumar, Mehra, & Kumari, 2022d; Mehra et al, 2012).…”

“…Moreover, the lack of resistance in maize germplasm further complicates this concerning scenario. Several conventional control measures have been explored such as mechanical stripping of lower leaf sheath (Batsa et al, 2004; Kaur et al, 2020; Mehra et al, 2012; Sharma & Hembram, 1989); botanical management using foliar application of garlic, neem and eucalyptus extracts (Kumar, Mehra, & Kumari, 2022e; Lal et al, 2016; Rajput et al, 2016); biological control using various biocontrol agents (Dahima et al, 2018; Lal et al, 2016); and integrated disease management combining fungicides, bioagents, and botanicals (Aggarwal et al, 2022; Debbrama & Rajesh, 2021; Kumar & Kaur, 2020; Sagar et al, 2020). However, long‐term viability of pathogen sclerotia in soil (Zachow et al, 2011; Zhao, Canaran, et al, 2006; Zhao, Zhang, et al, 2006) and inadequate implementation of agronomic practices (Raaijmakers et al, 2009; Savary et al, 2019) collectively leads to ineffectiveness of control measures against BLSB.…”