DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/26.4.4631
Original scientific paper
Assessment of maize hybrids for agronomic and fall armyworm tolerant traits
2025, 26 (4) p. 927-938
Innocent ISEGHOHI, Emmanuel OGUNDARE, Segun FAYEMIRO, Oluwafemi OBISESAN, Anthony JOB
Abstract
Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, an invasive pest, feeds on maize leaves and kernels. Several studies speculate that FAW leaf damage reduces grain yield (GY), but there is limited data to show the most critical period of FAW damage for maize yield. The assessment of maize hybrids for agronomic and FAW-resistant traits would provide useful information. The objectives of the study were to (i) assess the agronomic performance of maize hybrids for GY and FAW-resistant traits and (ii) determine the effects of FAW-leaf damage on GY of the maize hybrids. Fifteen candidate maize hybrids and two commercial checks were evaluated at the FAW hotspot for two years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Trait association was determined using correlation and sequential path analysis. Leaf damage (LDM) scores were regressed on GY. The mean Days to anthesis (DA), plant height (PHT), LDM score 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP), chlorophyll content (CHLC) and GY was 61.83±1.1, 209.58±5.9 cm, 2.49±0.2, 2.72±0.2, 2.45±0.2, 1.88±0.2, 57.80±0.4 μg/cm2 and 7.07±0.8 t/ha2, respectively. DA and PHT had a significant positive correlation with GY, while LDM4WAP and LDM6WAP had a significant negative correlation with GY. LDM2WAP and LDM4WAP also had a significant negative correlation with CHLC. The regression model predicted a 0.63 and 1.70 t/ha2 decrease in GY based on a unit rise of LDM scores at 6 and 8 WAP, respectively. Leaf damage peaked at 4-WAP but with direct GY reduction at 6-WAP. Six hybrids had outstanding GY and were identified.
Keywords
chlorophyll content, grain yield, leaf damage, Spodoptera frugiperda, Zea mays
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