Inheritance of resistance to the spotted stem borer, chilo partellus, in a maize population.

Abstract

The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus is an important insect pest of maize. It damages maize by feeding on the leaves and within the plant. Maize yield loss due to Chilo spp. Stem borer damage is estimated at 44 percent (Mohyuddin and Attique, 1978). The main objective of the study was to compare two selection methods for improving a maize population (ICZ3) for C. partellus resistance and grain yield. Genetic variability and predicted responses to S2 and S2 testcross selection were studied in an open-pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) variety resistant to the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). Results after one cycle of selection for grain yield and borer resistance were investigated. Genetic variances and heritability estimates were moderate to high for the S2 progenies with heritability estimates being higher for the agronomic traits when compared to the parameters of resistance. Generally, more gain …