Genetic Analysis of Agronomic and Fall Armyworm-Resistance Traits in Maize Hybrids with Varying Levels of Resistance to Stem Borers

Stem borer (SB) and more recently, fall armyworm (FAW) are serious economic pests in maize production sub-Saharan Africa. It is hypothesized that SB-resistant germplasm may confer resistance against FAW. However, the performance of lines hybrid combinations inheritance FAW-resistant traits under variable FAW infestations have not been reported. This study was conducted to (i) obtain information on agronomic infestations; (ii) identify hybrids combining high grain yield (GYLD) stability (iii) determine effects damage GYLD. Three (1393, CKSBL10060 CML 331) as testers six open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) were crossed a line tester scheme generate eighteen test crosses. The crosses together with two × checks evaluated artificial infestation (AI), natural (NI) pesticide-protected condition (PC) Nigeria. Additive non-additive significant for GYLD, most AI NI, except ear (EDAM) scores whereas only effect GYLD PC. Two (1393 CKSBL10060) combined positive GCA desirable 331 negative undesirable conditions. OPVs (AWR SYN-W2, AMATZBR-WC4 TZB-SR) had significantly either leaf (LDAM) or EDAM score AI. LDAM reduced but NI. (AMATZBR-WC4 x CKSBL10060, TZB-SR TZBR Comp 1-WC2 1393) tolerance across conditions thus recommended further testing.