Potential of Kenyan local maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm as a source of resistance to the spotted stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)

Authors

  • S.O. Ajala International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Lane M. Smith II International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
  • A. Odulaja International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya

Keywords:

Maize germplasm resistance, Stem borer, Chilo partellus

Abstract

Traditional open-pollinated maize varieties grown by farmers in Kenya were evaluated for their reaction to the spotted stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) in three field trials under artificial infestation. Four resistance parameters were used to compute a selection index. Results obtained revealed the existence of very wide variability of reaction to C. partellus attack. Resistant genotypes were obtained from diverse agroecologies. Traditional Kenyan open-pollinated maize varieties are therefore, valuable sources of useful genes that can be exploited for improvement of maize.

Issue

Section

Research Papers