Abstract
A comparison of resistance susceptibility to the stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) of five maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes, Inbred-A, Mp704, MBR-8637, ER-29SVR, and Poza Rica 7832, artificially infested with egg masses in the field revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) among the genotypes in foliar damage ratings and stem length tunnelled by the borers. However, when infested with neonates of C. partellus, the foliar and stem length damage to the resistant genotypes Mp704, MBR-8637, ER-29SVR, and Poza Rica 7832 were significantly less (P < 0.01) than the susceptible Inbred-A. The growth and rate of the development of C. partellus on these genotypes were significantly less (P < 0.01) than those on the susceptible Inbred-A. These adverse effects were due to poor efficiency of conversion of digested food into body matter (ECD) and poor overall efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) by C. partellus on the resistant genotypes. Such types and modes of resistance in maize can be very useful in integrated borer management in the tropics.
