Screening of Maize (Zea mays L.) Germplasms for resistance against Turcicum Leaf Blight (TLB) under field conditions

Abstract

Maize is the leading cereal worldwide with wide adaptability and higher productivity potential. It has notable productive potential among the cereals. It is the third most important grain crop after wheat and rice. Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) affects the maize crop from the seedling stage to maturity. The present study involved field evaluation of 335 maize entries for resistance against TLB disease under artificially inoculated field conditions in RBD using with a check at Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar during rabi 2018-2019 and kharif, 2019. Among 92 lines, 84 lines were categorised as resistant, Five lines were moderately resistant, two lines were moderately susceptible and CM -202 recorded 70.33% percent disease index (PDI), which is highest during Rabi 2018-2019. Out of 243 lines, 12 lines were categorised as resistant, 129 lines were recorded as moderately resistant,28 lines were noticed moderately susceptible and two lines viz., IB-98 and IB-103 observed with high PDI and severely affected by TLB and rated as susceptible during Kharif-2019.