Corn physicochemical properties affect Sitophilus zeamais losses.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Plant Breeding
• Insect-Plant Interactions

Background:

• The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) is a major pest of maize in Brazil.
• Limited effective chemical control options necessitate exploring natural resistance in maize varieties.
• Genetic reservoirs in maize may offer sustainable pest management solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify maize varieties resistant to the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais).
• To evaluate maize resistance based on insect emergence, enzyme inhibitors, and susceptibility indices.
• To assess the potential of different maize varieties for breeding programs against this pest.

Main Methods:

• Eight maize varieties were tested against Sitophilus zeamais adults.
• Insect emergence and susceptibility indices were primary evaluation parameters.
• Amylase enzyme inhibitors were analyzed as a potential resistance factor.

Main Results:

• Colorado, Oaxaca, and Oito Carreira maize varieties exhibited resistance.
• Azteca, Caiano, and Rajado varieties showed moderate resistance.
• Maisena and Palha Roxa varieties were susceptible to Sitophilus zeamais.

Conclusions:

• Specific maize varieties demonstrate significant resistance to the maize weevil.
• Antibiosis is a key mechanism in resistant varieties like Colorado, Oaxaca, and Oito Carreira.
• Maize variety selection is crucial for developing effective pest management strategies.