Genetics of Resistance in Maize to First‐ and Second‐Brood European Corn Borer¹

Abstract

One 10‐inbred‐line diallel of maize (Zea mays L.) was evaluated for 2 years for resistance to second‐brood European corn borer [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)], and a second 10‐line diallel was evaluated for 1 year for resistance to first and second broods. First‐brood evaluations were based on leaf‐feeding ratings in the pretassel stage, and second‐brood evaluations were based on plant‐cavity counts in mature plants. Variations attributed to general combining ability and general combining ability ✕ years were highly significant in the first diallel, but none of the F‐tests for specific combining ability were significant. Different levels of borer infestation in the 2 years probably affected the estimates of genetic effects. In the second diallel, variations attributed to general combining ability and specific combining ability were highly significant for both first‐ and second‐brood data. Also, heterosis was highly significant, with resistance being partially dominant. Inbred B52 contributed the most resistance to second brood, and CI31A and B49 contributed the most resistance to first brood. There are differences in the genes of the maize plant that condition resistance to first and second broods, but some genes may contribute resistance to both broods.

Mapping and characterization of quantitative trait loci affecting resistance against second-generation European corn borer in maize with the aid of RFLPs

“…Even though B73 is known to be highly susceptible to 2ECB, the resistant allele at two of the seven putative QTLs for tunnel length was contributed by this inbred. Similar results were reported for the highly susceptible inbred 0h43 that positively contributed to resistance of the progenies in two sets of diallel crosses (Jennings et a!., 1974). Scott et a!.…”

Mid-parent heterosis and combining ability of European corn borer resistance in maize

“…Very little information is available on the genetic factors controlling resistance to ear damage except that they are not correlated to those for sheath-collar resistance . Tests of combining ability indicated that general combining ability accounted for a greater percent of the total variation among crosses than specific combining ability for leaf feeding (Jennings et al ., 1974), sheath-collar damage (Kim et al ., 1989b) and stalk damage (Jenpings et al ., 1974) . There were no tests of combining ability for ear resistance reported in the literature.…”

Biology of the tropical corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) in relation to host plant resistance research

“…Resistance to the first generation has been easy to find (Guthrie and Dicke, 1972) (Russell et al, 1974). Because several loci are involved (Jennings et al, 1974a) and 80-85% r.h, in total darkness. Drinking water for the moths was provided by spraying plain water on top of the cloth.…”