Disease Reaction Studies for Turcicum Leaf Blight (Exserohilum Turcicum) Disease in Maize (Zea Mays L.) Under Artificial Epiphytotic Conditions

Abstract

Maize is widely cultivated around the globe under varied climatic conditions. India is one of the major maize producing countries and stands fourth in terms of production. Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) disease caused by the pathogen, Exserohilum turcicum is one of the major diseases of maize causing varying extent of grain yield loss from 15 to 30%. To overcome the losses due to the disease, resistant cultivars needs to be developed. Hence, the identification of resistant sources is important in order to develop TLB resistant hybrids. Present investigation was conducted to identify TLB resistant inbreds and hybrids. Simplified Triple Test Cross (STTC) design was employed to develop 96 hybrids using twenty inbred lines. Further the hybrids and inbred lines along with two checks (Resistant –NAI 137; Susceptible – CM 202) were evaluated for TLB disease reaction under artificial epiphytotic condition during rabi 2019 in simple lattice design with two replications. Scoring was done from 60 to 80 days after sowing based on 1-9 TLB disease scale. Among the inbred lines V-86, MAI-295, V-70, MAI-214, V-85, 40375, V-72, V-39, 40061 were resistant and MAI-288, V-24 were susceptible. Among hybrids, 36 were resistant, 44 were moderately resistant. 14 were moderately susceptible and two hybrids were susceptible to TLB disease. Identified TLB resistant hybrids needs to be further evaluated to test their performance and stability across locations. These resistant sources can be used to transfer TLB disease resistance.