Vegetative Phase Transition and Corn Borer Resistance of shrunken2 versus sugary1 Sweet Corn Near-isogenic Inbred Lines

Abstract

The genes sugary1 (su1) and shrunken2 (sh2) are commonly used to produce sweet and super-sweet corn (Zea mays L.), respectively. In this work we compare corn borer [european corn borer (ECB) (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.) and pink stem borer (PSB) (Sesamia nonagrioides Lef.)] susceptibility in seven pairs of su1 and sh2 near-isogenic sweet corn inbreds (101t, C23, C40, C68, Ia453, Ia5125, and P39) and the relationship between corn borer resistance and vegetative phase transition. The seven pairs of near-isogenic inbreds were evaluated under corn borer infestation during 3 years in northwestern Spain. Differences among inbreds were significant for most of the traits, although resistance was partial. Ia5125su1 and C40su1 were the most resistant inbreds. Differences between a few pairs of near-isogenic su1 and sh2 strains were significant for some vegetative phase change and corn borer damage-related traits. Generally su1 strains flowered earlier, had a shorter juvenile phase, fewer PSB, and more ECB larvae than sh2 strains. However su1 and sh2 strains did not differ significantly for most traits related to phase transition and corn borer damage; notably ear damage was not significantly different between su1 and sh2 strains. These results suggest that theoretical and practical results of sweet corn (sugary1) breeding for corn borer resistance could be capitalized for super-sweet corn (shrunken2) breeding.