Effects of Peruvian Maize Extracts on Growth, Development, and Fecundity of the European Corn Borer

Abstract

Twelve Peruvian maize, Zea mays, accessions were selected because of their relatively high level of field resistance to first-generation European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis, larval leaf-feeding. Water extracts of freeze-dried, powdered, leaf tissue were incorporated into a standard ECB diet, fed to larvae, and the effects on larval growth, development, and fecundity were measured. Larval and pupal weights were monitored as were the time elapsed in the larval, pupal, and adult stages. Adult fecundity and egg fertility were recorded. The experiment was a randomized block design (larvae and pupae) or a completely randomized design (adults) and analyzed with ANOVA (α = 0.05). Pairwise comparisons were made between groups of insects grown on diets containing extracts from the Peruvian lines, a standard diet, or diets containing extracts of a known susceptible inbred, and a known resistant inbred line. Survival was analyzed with a chi-squared test (α = 0.05). Two Peruvian accessions significantly reduced female larval and pupal weights, extended pupal and adult development time, and decreased survival of pupae and adults. Water extracts also had a pronounced impact on males; two accessions significantly reduced pupal weight and extended the time required to pupate, and one reduced male survival to adults. The results indicate that water-soluble factors from resistant Peruvian accessions inhibit the growth, developmental time, and survival of ECB. These resistance factors could be useful in the development of maize germplasm with insect-resistant traits.