Evaluation of Damage Parameters and Morphological Resistance Traits of Selected Maize Varieties Against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Aug 2026· Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology· 0 citations· 29 references
Abstract
The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an invasive pest threatening maize production in Türkiye, with larvae inflicting serious damage to stems and cobs. This study evaluated four maize varieties (Hera, DS 0224, AGM 2468, and AGM 2356) under natural infestation in Hatay Province during the 2025 main-crop season, focusing on larval density, feeding damage, and the relationship with plant morphological traits. Significant varietal differences were detected across all major parameters. Hera recorded the highest larval density (2.10 larvae/plant), larvae per stem (1.46) and cob (0.64), exit holes (4.15/plant), and infestation rates in plants (59%), stems (43%), and cobs (31%). In contrast, AGM 2356 showed the lowest larval density (0.51/plant), exit holes (3.00), and infestation rates (plants 22.5%; stems 16.3%; cobs 12%), indicating relative tolerance. DS 0224 (0.79 larvae plant-1; 45% plant infestation) and AGM 2468 (1.17 larvae/plant; 50% plant infestation) exhibited intermediate susceptibility. Tunnel length did not differ significantly among varieties (6.1-7.7 cm). Correlation analysis revealed that cob height, plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, and cob length were positively associated with larval density (p < .001), whereas cob diameter showed a negative relationship. Leaf length and spike length exhibited weak negative correlations. These findings demonstrate that varietal resistance to C. partellus is strongly influenced by plant architecture. The identification of tolerant variety such as AGM 2356, alongside the recognition of morphological traits associated with susceptibility, provides a valuable foundation for breeding programs and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to mitigate the impact of this invasive pest in Türkiye.
Botrytis grey mold (BGM), caused by Botrytis cinerea, is an important constraint to chickpea production in humid environments of Nepal. Field experiments were conducted at the Oilseed Research Program, Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal, during the winter seasons of 2079/80 and 2080/81 to evaluate 12 elite chickpea genotypes, including released variety Tara as a standard check, received from Grain Legumes Research Program, Khajura, Banke for BGM response and yield performance. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were recorded for phenological, agronomic and yield traits, along with BGM severity. Significant genotypic variation (P<0.05) was observed for BGM severity, flowering and maturity days, plant height, pods/plant and grain yield. Mean BGM severity decreased from 59.0% in the first year to 45.8% in the second year, while mean grain yield increased from 1017.7 to 1275.4 kg /ha. ICCV 87312 showed the lowest BGM severity in both years (44.4 and 31.5%) and recorded the highest grain yield in the second year (1773.7 kg/ha). KWR 108 also showed comparatively low and consistent BGM severity (44.4 and 38.9%) with good yield performance. The genotype × year interaction for BGM severity was non-significant indicating relatively consistent genotype responses across seasons. ICCV 87312 and KWR 108 are promising genotypes for further multi-location evaluation and breeding for moderate BGM resistance combined with high yield in Nepal.
Unknown authors· Nepal Agriculture Research J...· 0 citations
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a devastating pest of maize, and host plant resistance offers a sustainable alternative to chemical control. This study evaluated the resistance of the maize germplasm CH1 against FAW through life table parameters, feeding and oviposition preferences and greenhouse experiment. Results showed that FAW larvae reared on CH1 exhibited significantly prolonged larval development (21.61 d vs. 12.49 d), reduced survival (65.00% vs. 94.00%), and lower fecundity (689.00 vs. 1369.93 eggs per female) compared to those on the susceptible control Huang C. Population parameters, including the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0), were significantly lower on CH1. Behavioral assays revealed strong feeding and oviposition preferences for Huang C over CH1. Greenhouse experiment confirmed that CH1 plants sustained only minor damage (Davis scale grade 2, resistant), whereas Huang C plants were severely damaged (grade 7, susceptible). These findings demonstrate that CH1 possesses multi-dimensional resistance against FAW, providing a promising genetic resource for breeding FAW-resistant maize varieties and supporting sustainable pest management strategies.
Lingling Li, Peiying Li, Wen-Meng Li et al.· Insects· 0 citations
The paddy earhead bug, Leptocorisa oratorius (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae), is a chronically destructive pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in India, with documented yield losses of 15–30% under moderate infestation and up to 80% under severe epidemics. A comprehensive investigation integrating seasonal population dynamics, large-scale varietal screening, and biochemical resistance characterisation was conducted at the College of Agriculture, V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, during Kharif 2021. Seasonal incidence studies recorded a peak population of 7.63 bugs/10 hills on the susceptible check Jaya during the last week of November, coinciding with the milky grain stage, and a substantially lower peak of 1.53 bugs/10 hills on IR 64. Pearson's correlation analysis identified maximum temperature as exerting a significant negative influence on bug density (r = −0.78** on Jaya; r = −0.67** on IR 64), while afternoon relative humidity (r = +0.72**; +0.68**) and sunshine hours (r = +0.69**; +0.72**) were significantly positive predictors, providing a meteorological basis for pest forewarning. Field screening of 50 local landraces categorised 15 as Resistant (R), 10 as Moderately Resistant (MR), 20 as Moderately Susceptible (MS), 3 as Susceptible (S), and 2 as Highly Susceptible (HS). Screening of 37 Advanced Varietal Trial (AVT) genotypes yielded 4 R, 11 MR, 14 MS, 5 S, and 3 HS entries. Biochemical analysis of 18 representative genotypes at the milky grain stage revealed that resistant accessions were characterized by elevated levels of total phenols (up to 1.49 mg g⁻¹), tannins (up to 4.85 mg g⁻¹), total free amino acids (TFA; up to 10.78 mg g⁻¹), and potassium (K; up to 3.54%) — all significantly and negatively correlated with grain damage (r = −0.86**, −0.94**, −0.95**, −0.93**, respectively). Susceptible genotypes accumulated higher total soluble sugars (TSS), total reducing sugars (TRS), crude proteins, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), all of which showed highly significant positive correlations with grain damage (r = +0.95**, +0.97**, +0.98**, +0.95**, +0.87**, respectively). The resistant landraces Kave kantak, Nagland paddy, and Narali, alongside their distinctive biochemical profiles, provide a robust scientific foundation for developing durable pest-resistant rice cultivars and implementing ecologically rational integrated pest management programmes.
Satyabrata Sarangi, Divya S. Patel, P. Priya et al.· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important spice and vegetable crop cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. However, its productivity is severely constrained by several insect and mite pests, among which the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), is a major pest causing leaf curling, stunted growth, flower drop and substantial yield losses. Developing resistant cultivars offers an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for broad mite management. Therefore, field investigations were conducted during kharif 2023 and 2024 to evaluate sixteen chilli genotypes, including the susceptible check Byadgi Dabbi, for resistance against broad mite infestation. The study aimed to assess genotypic variability and identify resistant sources for future breeding programmes. During 2023, mean mite infestation was 2.96 mites per leaf, ranging from 2.30–4.02 mites per leaf. Higher populations were recorded on Sadabahar, Rasgulla and Byadgi Kaddi, whereas Phule Jyoti and Phule Mukta exhibited lower infestation levels. Mite incidence commenced at 45 days after transplanting (DAT), reached its peak at 120 DAT and declined thereafter. In 2024, infestation ranged from 1.98–3.78 mites per leaf, with maximum incidence observed at 90 DAT. Sadabahar remained highly susceptible, while Phule Jyoti, RHRCH 8-2 and Phule Mukta consistently recorded lower mite populations. The pooled mean infestation was 2.79 mites per leaf (2.14–3.90). Based on resistance categorisation, 2 genotypes were identified as resistant, 8 as moderately resistant, 3 as moderately susceptible and 3 as susceptible, indicating substantial genetic variability and providing valuable sources for resistance breeding and integrated pest management programmes in chilli.
S. Sonawane, U. Hole, S. Aghav et al.· Plant Science Today· 0 citations
Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major maize pest requiring effective and environmentally sustainable management strategies. This study evaluated the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, pheromone traps, and their integration under field conditions in Iraq. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed among treatments for larval density, plant infestation, and damage severity. The untreated control recorded the highest larval density (3.46 larvae plant-1), infestation (52.4%), and damage severity (2.86). In contrast, the combined application of B. bassiana + pheromone traps provided the greatest suppression, reducing larval density to 0.92 larvae plant-1 (73.4% reduction), infestation to 18.7% (64.3% reduction), and damage severity to 1.21 (57.7% reduction) relative to the control. Among individual treatments, B. bassiana was more effective than M. anisopliae, reducing larval density to 1.35 larvae plant-1, infestation to 24.5%, and damage severity to 1.48. Pheromone traps alone provided moderate suppression, with corresponding values of 2.14 larvae plant-1, 33.6%, and 1.94, respectively. The superior performance of the combined treatment was attributed to simultaneous suppression of larvae by fungal infection and adult males through pheromone trapping, although synergistic interaction was not statistically established. Overall, integrating entomopathogenic fungi with pheromone-based control showed strong potential for reducing S. frugiperda populations and maize damage while supporting sustainable integrated pest management under field conditions.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most widely grown and economically important vegetable crops in India, but its yield is consistently constrained by lepidopteran fruit borers, particularly Spodoptera litura (Fabricius). A field investigation was carried out during 2016–17 to record the pest intensity of S. litura on six tomato varieties — Pusa Gaurav, Ratna, Arka Saurabh, Pant Bahar, Arka Abha and an untreated Control — left unprotected from pest attack, and to relate this intensity to fruit yield. A field plot measuring 35x22 m was arranged with three replications in a randomised block design (R.B.D.) and a 1.0 m block border. The plots measured 6.0*3.0 m and were separated by a 0.5 m border. The distance between rows and plants was 75x75 cm. A completely randomised design (C.R.D.) for laboratory experiments and a randomised block design (R.B.D.) was employed for field experiments. Larval counts per plant were recorded at weekly intervals from the third week of January to the first week of April and subjected to square-root transformation before analysis. Pest intensity varied appreciably among varieties and across the observation period, with population build-up generally peaking between mid-February and early March. Arka Saurabh recorded the lowest mean pest intensity (0.37–0.39 larvae/plant) but also a comparatively low yield (15.40 kg), whereas Pant Bahar combined a low pest load (0.28–0.54 larvae/plant) with the highest yield (18.95 kg), suggesting a favourable tolerance response. Ratna and Pusa Gaurav carried the heaviest pest burden and showed correspondingly greater within-season yield variability. The untreated Control recorded the lowest overall yield (13.40 kg), underscoring the yield penalty associated with unmanaged S. litura infestation. These findings indicate that varietal choice can meaningfully influence S. litura pressure and support the inclusion of Pant Bahar and Arka Saurabh in integrated pest management and future breeding programmes targeting fruit-borer tolerance.
Ankita Awasthi· Uttar Pradesh Journal of Zoo...· 0 citations
We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads.
See our Cookie Policy.
