Maize genotype selection resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) based on the degree of damaged leaf

Abstract

Corn as one of the world’s staple food sources has become one of the most important commodities in the world. Indonesia as one of the maize producer countries also strives to improve the quality and quantity of production by genotype varieties that are resistant to specific conditions and are resistant to various pests and diseases. At present, the very high pressure and attack of fall armyworm (FAW) that exceed the economic threshold in maize cultivation is one of the problems that need integrated management, one of which is the formation of varieties that are resistant to FAW. The purpose of this selection test was to obtain the maize genotype resistance of FAW (Spodoptera frugiperda). The research was carried out in Agricultural Technology Research and Assessment Installation, Bajeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The total of genetic materials in this test was 13 genotypes (POP 02, POP 03, POP 05, POP 10, POP 11, POP 15, POP 18, POP 21, POP 23, POP 24, POP 26, POP 27, and POP 28) and 2 check varieties (BISI 18 and JH 37). The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with 3 replicates. The FAW as the test insects was obtained from the environment that had been exposed to it. Observations started 4 weeks after planting (WAP) by observing the total number of damaged plants, the percentage of attacks according to the Davis scale, and the level of plant resistance. All tested genetic materials showed moderate resistance to tolerance to FAW. The highest damage percentage was in the line Pop.18 (46.26%) and the lowest was in POP 11 (7-24%) and POP. 26 (14-26%). The moderate resistant strains obtained were Pop 10, Pop 11, Pop 21, Pop 23, Pop 24, Pop 26, Pop 27, and Pop 28. The results of this study can be continued for the formation of the next generation to obtain resistant strains and can be tested for plant morphology and physiology that trigger the resistance to FAW.