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Relationship between maize stem structural characteristics and resistance to pink stem borer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
R Santiago1, X C Souto, J Sotelo
1E.U.E.T. Forestal, Universidad de Vigo, Campus Universitario Pontevedra, E-36005, Pontevedra, Spain. rsc@uvigo.es
Journal of Economic Entomology
|December 3, 2003
Summary
Maize stalk strength does not always predict resistance to the pink stem borer (Sesamia nonagrioides). The length of the meristematic area (LMA) showed promise as an indicator, but genotype-specific resistance mechanisms exist.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Plant Breeding
- Crop Protection
Background:
- The pink stem borer (Sesamia nonagrioides) is a significant pest of maize (Zea mays L.) in northwestern Spain.
- Understanding structural resistance factors in maize is crucial for developing pest management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate structural traits related to maize stem borer entry and feeding tissues.
- To determine the relationship between these structural traits and resistance to Sesamia nonagrioides.
Main Methods:
- Six maize inbred lines with varying stem resistance levels were assessed.
- Evaluated traits included rind and pith puncture resistance (RPR/PPR), rind thickness, length of the meristematic area (LMA), and pith parenchyma interlumen thickness (PPIT).
Main Results:
- Stronger stalks did not correlate with higher resistance to pink stem borer.
- Resistant inbreds showed lower rind puncture resistance than susceptible ones.
- Susceptible inbreds generally had higher LMA values; pith hardness varied, with resistant lines showing harder pith.
Conclusions:
- The predictive value of evaluated structural traits for pink stem borer resistance is genotype-dependent.
- Other resistance mechanisms, beyond stalk strength, may be involved.
- Length of the meristematic area (LMA) shows potential as a resistance indicator, requiring further research.