Response of the larger grain borer [prostephanus truncates (horn)] to varietal variations in resistance of maize
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Date
2001
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the response of the larger grain borer
Prostephanus truncatus (Hom) to variations in resistance of maize varieties. Thirty-one
(16 local, 8 composites and 7 hybrids) maize varieties were used as treatments. The
response of P. truncatus was investigated by determining the following parameters:
number of adult progeny, oviposition. larval and pupal duration and adult emergence
pattern. For each of the maize cultvars, grain damage, weight loss and susceptibility
indices were calculated. Prostephanus truncatus was found to respond differently to the
maize varieties. Significant variations in numbers of adult progeny, number of eggs,
larval and pupal mortality were observed among maize varieties. The highest
susceptibility index was recorded in a hybrid variety H6302. Percentage dry-weight loss
and percentage damage showed significant variations among maize varieties. Varieties
H6302, H 614, MH51, TMV2 and Katisini were the most damaged by the pest. The
shortest and longest larval duration were recorded in varieties H6302 and UCA,
respectively. Adult emergence was highest in the hybrid varieties. Both larval and pupal
mortality were found to vary significantly (P < 0.05) among maize varieties. The lowest
percentage larval and pupal mortality was recorded in H6302 while the highest
percentage pupal and larvae mortality was recorded in Kilima. It is concluded that
varietal resistance can contribute to the reduction of damage and weight losses of stored
maize by P. truncatus. Identification and incorporation of the genes or factors
responsible for inherent resistance to storage pests can greatly contribute to the
effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for this pest.
Description
Masters of Science in Agriculture
Keywords
Prostephanus truncatus, Larger grain borer, Maize, Maize varieties