Native Resistance to Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Feeding: Characterization and Mechanisms

Abstract

Seven maize, Zea mays L., genotypes selected for native resistance to western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larval feeding damage (SUM2068, SUM2162, CRW3(S1)C6, NSS1 x CRW3(S1)C6, PI583927, CRW2(C5), and AR17056-16) were evaluated along with three control maize genotypes in the field for plant damage, larval recovery, adult emergence, root size, and root regrowth. Larvae recovered were further analyzed for head capsule width and dry weight and adults for dry weight. All factors evaluated with the exception of adult dry weight varied significantly among maize genotypes. Control genotypes included a highly susceptible hybrid, B37 x H84, a transgenic rootworm-resistant hybrid expressing the modified Cry3A protein (MIR604), and the untransformed modern hybrid with the same genetic background as the MIR604 we used (isoline) as a second susceptible control. In general, the genotypes previously selected for resistance to western corn rootworm larval feeding had less damage, fewer larvae recovered, smaller larvae recovered, and fewer adults recovered than the susceptible controls. SUM2162 was significantly less damaged than all other native sources of resistance. Western corn rootworm larvae recovered from SUM2162 and SUM2068 were significantly smaller in terms of head capsule width and average weight than larvae recovered from all other maize genotypes, indicating that antibiosis is a mechanism of resistance for these two hybrids.