Abstract
Mediterranean corn borer (MCB) (Sesamia nonagrioides Lef) and European corn borer (ECB) (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn) are the most important biotic stresses of maize in Europe. The first selection program to improve stalk resistance to MCB was carried out in the maize population EPS12. It has shown that selection was effective to improve stalk resistance to MCB and ECB, while yield was not significantly diminished. The objective of this research was to determine if correlated changes in EPS12 occurred due to selection for resistance to MCB. Cycles of selection per se and testcrosses to three testers were evaluated under MCB and ECB artificial infestation at two different Spanish locations during 2 years. Selection has significantly reduced cob damage, days to silking, plant and ear height, and 100-kernel weight; meanwhile early vigor was increased. These changes could rather be a consequence of unconscious selection and/or the genetic correlation of these traits with resistance than a consequence of genetic drift.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
