Hydroxamic acid content and plant development of maize (Zea mays L.) in relation to damage by the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte

Abstract

Recently identified resistance factors in two inbreds of maize (Zea mays L.) were investigated in relation to their concentrations over the course of maize root development. The purpose of this study was to determine the time of peak expression in relation to field resistance to larvae of the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte). Bi-weekly variation in root hydroxamic acid content, as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography, was compared with field resistance of 4- to 16-wk-old maize plants. The phytochemical analysis showed that the major hydroxamic acids in corn roots were 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA), and its main degradation product was 6-methoxy-benzoxazoline (MBOA). The highest concentrations of DIMBOA equivalents, 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (HMBOA) and total hydroxamic acids were found in 6-wk-old root extracts for the inbred with low susceptibility, and 10-wk-old root extracts for the inbred with high susceptibility. In field trials, the inbred with low susceptibility suffered maximal root damage 8 wk post-infestation, followed by a rapid and pronounced recovery. Damage to the root system of the inbred with high susceptibility rose rapidly throughout the growing season, reaching a maximum 12 wk post-infestation, followed by minimal recovery. Plant morphological factors were unaffected and are insensitive as measurements of plant damage. Based on the observations of this study, it would appear that the concentration of hydroxamic acids in the root systems of maize plants plays a role in resistance to western corn rootworm larvae under field conditions. Key words: 2,4-dehydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, western corn rootworm, antibiosis, hydroxamic acids, biochemical resistance