Antibiosis of the pith maize to Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Thirteen inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) with different levels of stem resistance to the stem borer Sesamia nonagrioides Lefevbre were evaluated in the field and the laboratory to determine the antibiotic resistance to this pest. Inbreds CM151, CO125, and EP39 had antibiotic pith as well as stem resistance, so the pith could play a role in stem resistance. Inbreds A509, F473, and PB130 did not have antibiotic pith but had stem resistance; therefore, other mechanisms could confer stem resistance. Finally, the inbred MS1334 had antibiotic pith and did not show stem resistance; thus, other factors could compensate the effect of the pith. Therefore, although pith antibiotic compound seems to play a role in the defense against S. nonagrioides attack, it is not the only possible mechanism of defense.     

Cell wall composition as a maize defense mechanism against corn borers

European and Mediterranean corn borers are two of the most economically important insect pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in North America and southern Europe, respectively. Cell wall structure and composition were evaluated in pith and rind tissues of resistant and susceptible inbred lines as possible corn borer resistance traits. Composition of cell wall polysaccharides, lignin concentration and composition, and cell wall bound forms of hydroxycinnamic acids were measured. As expected, most of the cell wall components were found at higher concentrations in the rind than in the pith tissues, with the exception of galactose and total diferulate esters. Pith of resistant inbred lines had significantly higher concentrations of total cell wall material than susceptible inbred lines, indicating that the thickness of cell walls could be the initial barrier against corn borer larvae attack. Higher concentrations of cell wall xylose and 8-O-4-coupled diferulate were found in resistant inbreds. Stem tunneling by corn borers was negatively correlated with concentrations of total diferulates, 8-5-diferulate and p-coumarate esters. Higher total cell wall, xylose, and 8-coupled diferulates concentrations appear to be possible mechanisms of corn borer resistance.     

Genetics of resistance to the pink stem borer (Sesamia nonagrioides) in maize (Zea mays)

Our knowledge of the genetics of resistance to the pink stem borer ( Sesamia nonagrioides ) in maize ( Zea mays ) is restricted to a few crosses among maize inbreds. The objectives of this study were to enlarge our understanding of the genetics of traits related to damage by pink stem borer and yield under infestation and to use generation means analyses to compare per se and testcross performance for detecting epistatic effects. All generations, either per se or crossed to testers, were evaluated in a 10 × 10 triple lattice design under artificial infestation with S. nonagrioides in 2005 and 2006. Most traits fit an additive–dominance model; but evidence for epistasis for resistance and yield under infestation was shown. Epistasis, in general, did not appear to play an important role in the inheritance of yield under pink stem borer infestation. However, the epistasis contribution to maize yield performance could be important in some outstanding crosses such as EP42 × A637. Testcross generation means revealed epistatic effects undetected by the generation means analysis, but neither method was able to eliminate dominance effects that could prevail over epistatic effects.     

Free phenols in maize pith and their relationship with resistance to Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) attack

The stem borer Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefèbvre) is the most important insect pest of maize, Zea mays L., in northwestern Spain. Among the metabolites present in maize, phenolic compounds could play an important role in resistance. The objective of this work was to determine whether a relationship between phenols and the amount of resistance exists. Amounts of free phenolic compounds in the pith of 13 inbred maize lines that differ in resistance were measured. The phenolic compounds identified were p-coumaric acid, cafeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, chorogenic acid, sinapic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillin. The amount of free p-coumaric acid was correlated with the resistance level. Higher quantities of p-coumaric in the pith could contribute to general resistance to stem borer attack. Jointly with ferulic acid, p-coumaric could provide resistance mechanisms through cell wall fortification and lignification. The other compounds showed no or an unclear relationship with resistance. The vanillic acid showed a decreased tendency after silking, when maize is most attractive for S. nonagrioides, suggesting this acid could act as a chemoattractant for S. nonagrioides larvae or adults. Future studies that focus on these phenolic compounds could be useful in understanding S. nonagrioides resistance.     

Inheritance of resistance to ear damage caused by Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize

Sesamia nonagrioides Lefebvre is a major insect pest of maize (Zea mays L.) in northwestern Spain. The inheritance of ear resistance in field corn to this pest has not been studied. This work aims to determine the importance of genetic (additive, dominance, and epistatic effects) and environmental effects in the inheritance of ear resistance to S. nonagrioides. Three field corn inbreds (CM109, EP31, and EP42) were used as parents and two crosses (CM109 x EP31 and CM109 x EP42) were made. These inbreds show different ear resistance levels to S. nonagrioides, with CM109 more resistant than EP31 and EP42. For each cross, parents (P1, P2), F1, F2, and backcrosses to each parent (BC1 and BC2) were evaluated. Correlations among ear damage traits showed that general appearance of the ear should be useful indicator of ear resistance. Ear resistance was dominant to susceptibility and was transmitted from inbreds to their hybrids. The additive-dominance model fit the generation mean analysis for both crosses and the degree of genetic control varied depending on the cross and trait. For both crosses, additive and dominance effects were significant for most ear damage traits. Epistatic gene effects were significant for husk and shank damage, and gene effects for number and length of tunnels were not significant. Because ear resistance involved additive and dominance effects for this set of inbreds, breeding procedures based on both types of gene action should be effective.     

Evaluation of the European Union Maize Landrace Core Collection for resistance to Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Two corn borer species are the principal maize insect pests in Europe, the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and the pink stem borer, Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre). Hence, it would be advisable to evaluate the European maize germplasm for corn borer resistance to generate European varieties resistant to corn borer attack. The creation of the European Union Maize Landrace Core Collection (EUMLCC) allowed the screening of most of the variability for European corn borer resistance present among European maize local populations from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, testing a representative sample. The objective of this study was the evaluation of stem and ear resistance of the EUMLCC to European corn borer and pink stem borer attack. Trials were made at two Spanish locations that represent two very different maize-growing areas. Populations that performed relatively well under corn borer infestation for stem and ear damage were 'PRT0010008' and'GRC0010085', among very early landraces; 'PRT00100120' and 'PRT00100186', among early landraces; 'GRC0010174', among midseason landraces; and 'ESP0070441', among late landraces. Either the selection that could have happen under high insect pressure or the singular origin of determined maize populations would be possible explanations for the higher corn borer resistance of some landraces. Landraces 'PRT0010008', 'FRA0410090', 'PRT00100186', and 'ESP0090214' would be selected to constitute a composite population resistant to corn borers and adapted to short season, whereas populations 'ESP0090033', 'PRT00100530', 'GRC0010174', and 'ITA0370005' would be used to make a resistant composite adapted to longer season.     

Resistance of early maturing sweet corn varieties to damage caused by Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

In Mediterranean countries, the principal pest of maize, Zea mays L., is Sesamia nonagrioides Lefebvre. The objective of this work was to study the resistance of the four early maturing varieties of sweet corn, Baby Orchard, Orchard Baby, Dorinny Sweet, and Golden Early Market, and to check the relationship among resistance to S. nonagrioides and infestation dates. In a previous study, these varieties had showed a confusing behavior, being the most resistant varieties to S. nonagrioides attack in some environments and the most susceptible in others. These varieties were again evaluated along with three medium maturing varieties, used as testers because they were more stable in both environments, by using two infestation dates. Plants were more damaged in the late infestation, but the effect of the infestation depends on the variety studied. Orchard Baby and Baby Orchard were the most resistant varieties under two infestation dates. These two varieties are closely related. Therefore, we can use either one as a source of precocity and resistance for modern sweet corn. Although many studies showed that early maturing inbreds had greater damage caused by S. nonagrioides and European corn borer than late maturing inbreds and hybrids, our results showed that the earliest maturing varieties were the most resistant.     

Analyses of genetic diversity among maize inbred lines differing for resistance to pink borer and post-flowering stalk rot

Identification of the diverse sources of resistance is an important issue among the breeders for developing pest and disease free hybrids, to reduce the inoculum load, to prolong the life of inbred lines/hybrids and to reduce the cost of cultivation. Molecular diversity analysis was carried out among 23 maize inbred lines with respect to post flowering stalk rot and pink borer. Forty six SSR markers were employed among eight post flowering stalk rot (PFSR) and seven pink borer resistant lines along with eight other inbred lines to identify diverse resistant sources for developing resistant heterotic combinations to above pests and diseases. Number of alleles per SSR marker ranged from 2 to 9 averaging 4.11. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.272 to 0.839 with an average of 0.568. Discrimination rate (DR) of the markers ranged from 0.095 to 0.861 with a mean of 0.618. Number of alleles was highly correlated with PIC and DR. The pair-wise genetic dissimilarity values ranged from 0.05 to 0.84 with an overall mean of 0.64. Un-weighted neighbour joining clustering put 23 genotypes in two main clusters, which were further subdivided into 5 and 6 sub-clusters, respectively. We obtained 56 rare and 26 unique alleles in specific inbred lines, which can be used for identification of these lines. The present study has revealed considerable diversity among inbred lines differing for resistance against PFSR and pink borer; and provided ample scope for selection of parents for utilization in heterosis breeding     

Performance of crosses among flint maize populations under infestation by Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Flint maize, Zea mays L., varieties provide some interesting agronomic characteristics and kernels that possess a better ability than other kernels for developing high-quality flour. The pink stem borer, Sesamia nonagrioides Lefebvre, is an important constraint for the maize crop in Mediterranean regions. The objective of this work was to identify a "flint x flint" heterotic pattern that would perform well under artificial infestation by S. nonagrioides. A 10-population diallel was evaluated under infestation by S. nonagrioides in 2 yr. Variety effects were the only significant effects involved in stem and ear resistance to S. nonagrioides attack. Variety effects and average heterosis effects were the only significant effects for grain yield under artificial infestation conditions. Considering variety effects and cross-performance, the heterotic pattern Basto/Enano levantixo x Longfellow (BA/EL x LO) would be recommended for obtaining flint maize hybrids tolerant to S. nonagrioides attack because BA/EL had the most favorable variety effects for stem resistance, LO exhibited the most positive variety effects for grain yield, and the cross BA/EL x LO yielded significantly more than the remaining crosses.     

玉米重要自交系的肿囊腐霉茎腐病抗性鉴定与评价

由肿囊腐霉菌(Pythium inflatum Matthews)引起的玉米茎腐病是影响玉米产量的一种重要病害。为进一步拓展可利用的抗源,于2010-2011年在田间采用人工接种方法对287份重要的玉米自交系种质进行了玉米茎腐病的抗性鉴定评价。结果表明,287份鉴定材料中有171份自交系对茎腐病的抗性达到中抗以上水平,占鉴定材料的59.58%,其中高抗自交系共43份,占鉴定材料总数的14.98%;感病类型自交系共116份,占鉴定材料的40.42%,其中高感自交系共95份,占鉴定材料总数的33.10%。Lancaster、Reid及P群种质中具有丰富的茎腐病抗源,而塘四平头种质群中茎腐病抗源相对缺乏,多为感病类型。该研究结果可为今后我国玉米茎腐病抗性种质的引进和改良提供重要参考。     

Mean generation analysis of the damage caused by Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sweet corn ears

Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) are the main maize (Zea mays L.) pests in Mediterranean countries. To develop insect-resistant cultivars, it is helpful to know the genetic control of the resistance. Our objective was to determine the genetic control of the resistance to both borers. For each of two crosses (EP59 x P51 and 15125 x EP61), six generations were evaluated (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2). Genetic effects x environment interactions were not significant. For the O. nubilalis resistance traits; both crosses fitted an additive-dominance model. EP59 x P51 had important dominance and additive effects, whereas for 15125 x EP61 we did not detect significant genetic effects, but significant year effects were detected. For S. nonagrioides infestation, both crosses fitted to an additive-dominance model. There were additive effects for most traits in EP59 x P51. The cross I5125 x EP61 showed significant dominance effects for several traits. Resistance to both corn borers fit an additive-dominance model, but genetic effects depend on the cross evaluated. In the resistance to S. nonagrioides, additive effects were important for shank resistance, which is a useful trait for avoiding S. nonagrioides damage on the ear. Early sowings are recommended to make good use of the resistance to both corn borers. In the late sowings, damage is so high that resistant plants are not able to control the pest.     

Evaluation of conventional resistance to European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in experimental maize lines developed from a backcross breeding program

Plant resistance is a promising control method for the two most damaging insect pests of maize, Zea mays L.: the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Fifteen experimental lines of maize, derived from a backcross breeding program designed to introgress resistance to European corn borer from Peruvian maize into two U.S. Corn Belt adapted inbred lines, were evaluated for resistance to European corn borer and western corn rootwonrm. The experimental lines were in the second generation of backcrossing. All experimental lines were resistant to leaf blade feeding by European corn borer. These lines had low levels of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one, a chemical commonly associated with leaf blade feeding resistance, indicating that this was not the mechanism of resistance to leaf blade feeding in these lines. Eleven experimental lines were resistant to leaf sheath and collar feeding by European corn borer. Useful sources of European corn borer ovipositional nonpreference and root feeding resistance to western corn rootworm were not identified. Some of the lines evaluated in this study may provide useful sources of resistance to both leaf blade and leaf sheath and collar feeding by European corn borer.     

我国不同年代玉米自交系茎秆性状演替规律

茎秆是玉米植株重要的组成部分,与植株倒伏、籽粒产量密切相关。研究我国玉米茎秆性状变化趋势,探讨不同年代茎秆性状演变规律,为我国玉米抗倒伏及高产品种选育提供参考。本研究以20世纪60-90年代65个代表性玉米自交系为材料,调查植株茎高、穗位高、茎节数、穗位节、茎粗、茎秆含水量、茎秆含糖量7个茎秆性状,及其衍生的穗位系数(穗位高/茎高)和穗节系数(穗位节/茎节数),基于最佳线性无偏估计值,开展性状相关性分析及不同年代自交系茎秆性状演变规律研究。结果显示,玉米自交系间茎秆性状差异显著;不同年代的茎秆性状时代特征不明显;随着年代的更替,玉米茎高、穗位高、茎节数、穗位节呈下降趋势;20世纪60-90年代穗位高改良效果显著;80年代左右玉米茎秆粗细育种目标由粗壮型调整为纤细型,可能与合理密植、提高单产的育种目标有关;90年代,玉米茎秆含水量降低3个百分点,下降显著。总之,抗倒伏研究一直是我国玉米育种的重要研究方向,且穗位高改良效果显著,玉米茎节数、穗位节将成为玉米抗倒伏及高产研究中新的重要关注点,研究结果对玉米抗倒伏及高产育种具有重要的指导意义。     

240份玉米自交系纹枯病抗性鉴定与评价

在人工接种条件下,连续3年对240份玉米自交系纹枯病抗性进行鉴定和评价,分析了玉米纹枯病抗性与主要农艺性状的相关性。结果表明,玉米纹枯病抗性资源较为缺乏,240份自交系中无免疫或高抗的材料,有中抗自交系4份、感病自交系18份、高感自交系218份。旅大红骨、Reid、PA和塘四平头类群自交系中未发现玉米纹枯病抗源,PB类群和Lancaster类群自交系纹枯病抗性相对较好,今后应主要从这两类种质中寻找玉米纹枯病抗源。玉米纹枯病病情指数与株高、穗位高、穗位高/株高、穗下节间数和穗下平均节间长均呈极显著负相关,这些表型可以作为非接种条件下筛选抗玉米纹枯病种质的参考指标。     

Resistance to Striga hermonthica in a maize inbred line derived from Zea diploperennis

Breeding for resistance to Striga in maize (Zea mays), with paucity of donor source and known mechanisms of resistance, has been challenging. Here, post-attachment development of S. hermonthica was monitored on two maize inbreds selected for field resistance and susceptibility reactions to Striga at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Haustorial invasion of the parasite into roots of these inbreds was examined histologically. Morphological differences were observed between roots of the susceptible and the resistant inbreds. The resistant maize had fewer Striga attachments, delayed parasitic development and higher mortality of attached parasites compared with the susceptible inbred. Striga on the susceptible inbred usually penetrated the xylem and showed substantial internal haustorial development. Haustorial ingress on the resistant inbred was often stopped at the endodermis. Parasites able to reach resistant host xylem vessels showed diminished haustorial development relative to those invading susceptible roots. These results suggest that the resistant inbred expresses a developmental barrier and incompatible response against Striga parasitism.     

Effects of selection for resistance to Sesamia nonagrioides on maize yield,performance and stability under infestation with Sesamia nonagrioides and Ostrinia nubilalis in Spain

A maize synthetic population was improved for resistance to the Mediterranean corn borer (MCB, Sesamia nonagrioides) while maintaining yield. The objectives of this research were to investigate whether yield and yield stability of the maize synthetic population named EPS12 were affected by selection for MCB resistance; also to determine which genotypic and environmental covariates could explain the genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype × environment (GE) effects for yield under corn borer infestation. Plants from three cycles of selection and their testcrosses to three inbred testers (A639, B93 and EP42) were evaluated at two locations in 2 years, under MCB and European corn borer infestations. After selection EPS12 was a more stable genotype. Hybrids derived from crosses between B93 and inbreds obtained from the initial cycles of selection could be recommended for cultivation in northern Spain. The yield of crosses between cycles of selection and testers increased when there were fewer days with temperatures >25°C and higher mean maximum temperatures. Differences in yield among these genotypes were mostly explained by resistance to corn borer attack. In general, among EPS12-derived materials, genetic characteristics that contribute to increased grain yield were also responsible for increased abiotic stress tolerance.     

Evaluation of popcorn germplasm for resistance to Sesamia nonagrioides attack

Popcorn adapted to Spanish conditions could be an interesting and profitable alternative to field corn. However, little is known about breeding popcorn germplasm for adaptation to Spain. Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèvbre is the main insect pest affecting popcorn quality and yield under Spanish growing conditions. The objectives of the study were the search for sources of resistance to S. nonagrioides among popcorn germplasm and to study the genetics of the resistance to S. nonagrioides attack. Eight breeding populations along with a five-inbred line diallel and two popcorn commercial checks were evaluated under S. nonagrioides infestation in 2 yr. Significant differences were found among general combining ability (GCA) effects for days to silking, S. nonagrioides tunnel length, general appearance of the ear, kernel moisture, and yield. Specific combining ability (SCA) effects were found to be significant for yield and ear damage. Therefore, heterotic patterns among popcorn materials should be taken into account to generate new popcorn hybrids that are not only more productive but also have higher kernel quality. Breeding popcorn populations BSP4APC0 and PSPW1C1 could be base germplasms in a breeding program for obtaining parental inbreds of healthy kernel popcorn hybrids. New inbred lines could be generated from the cross BP1 x BP2 that would have improved GCA and SCA effects for S. nonagrioides resistance when crossed to South American inbreds.     

普通玉米籽粒性状的遗传效应分析

采用二倍体种子遗传模型及其分析方法,研究了５个玉米籽粒性状的直接效应、母体效应和细胞质效应．分析结果表明,各性状的遗传同时受种子直接效应和母体效应的影响,细胞质基因对百粒重和粒宽具有极显著影响．除粒长、粒厚的直接显性效应与母体显性效应间的协方差外,直接效应与母体效应间的协方差均不显著．因此,通过母体植株的表现可对这些性状进行有效的选择．Ｓ_２２和 ８７－１是改良粒重的优良亲本．选择粒较宽的自交系作母本有利于提高后代选系及Ｆ_１的百粒重．     

Mapping of QTL for resistance to the Mediterranean corn borer attack using the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) population of maize

The Mediterranean corn borer or pink stem borer (MCB, Sesamia nonagrioides Lefebvre) causes important yield losses as a consequence of stalk tunneling and direct kernel damage. B73 and Mo17 are the source of the most commercial valuable maize inbred lines in temperate zones, while the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) population is an invaluable source for QTL identification. However, no or few experiments have been carried out to detect QTL for corn borer resistance in the B73 × Mo17 population. The objective of this work was to locate QTL for resistance to stem tunneling and kernel damage by MCB in the IBM population. We detected a QTL for kernel damage at bin 8.05, although the effect was small and two QTL for stalk tunneling at bins 1.06 and 9.04 in which the additive effects were 4 cm, approximately. The two QTL detected for MCB resistance were close to other QTL consistently found for European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) resistance, indicating mechanisms of resistance common to both pests or gene clusters controlling resistance to different plagues. The precise mapping achieved with the IBM population will facilitate the QTL pyramiding and the positional cloning of the detected QTL.