Plant traits as resistance influencing factors in maize against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)

Abstract

Ten maize genotypes {seven hybrid (FH-292, FH-810, FH-793, FH-930, FH-949, FH-963 and FH-985) and three commercial (Agaiti-2002, Com-6625, and Com-32F-10)} were tested for resistance/susceptibility against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) with respect to physico-chemical plant traits. The results revealed that the genotype Com-6625 was found resistant, having minimum level of infestation (5.63%) followed by Agaiti-2002 (5.69 %) and FH-810 (6.06 %) while FH-949 proved more susceptible with maximum infestation (19.45 %) followed by FH-963 (15.21 %) and FH-985 (12.10 %). The trend in pest infestation was continuously increased and reached to a maximum peak (21.43%) on 28rnApril 2010. Number of nodes, cob length, trichome density, 100-grain weight and manganese contents showed significant (P < 0.01) and negative correlation with the pest infestation, whereas, stem diameter, total minerals, nitrogen and protein had positive and significant (P < 0.01) correlation. Stem diameter and total minerals were the most important characters which contributed maximum role i.e., 34 and 45.6 percent in per unit change in infestation, respectively and the impact of these factors were positive and significant (P < 0.01) Commercial genotypes were found to be more resistant than hybrids.