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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #75398
Title: GENETICS OF PLANT RESISTANCE TO CORN EARWORM

Author
item Wiseman, Billy
item BONDARI, K. - UNIV. OF GEORGIA

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/22/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: The corn earworm, [Helicoverpa (=Heliothis)zea] (Boddie), is a native insect of the Americas where it feeds on numerous hosts. High levels of antibiosis in the silks of some maize cultivars have been identified in recent years. A high level of antibiosis in the silks caused a drastic reduction in growth of the larvae, extended the life cycle by 20 days and reduced fecundity by 65 percent. The very high level of resistance found in the silks of the popcorn, PI340856, resulted in total larval mortality. The genetic basis of resistance (antibiosis) in maize silks to the corn earworm larvae was determined in terms of additive-dominance gene action as well as contributions due to epistatic effects of genes at different loci. In a cross of Zapalote chico X PI340856, the 3-parameter additive-dominance model was functioning and genes controlling resistance in PI340856 are dominant to those of Z. chico. Because of the dominance nature of the gene action, genetic resistance associated with the PI340856 inbred line may be easily transmitted to other commercial inbred lines. The end result would be reduced corn earworm damage, enhanced food safety, reduced pesticide use, and adoption of more environmentally sound pest management strategies for maize production.