Resistance to many insects that attack maize has been identified. Resistance varies from very high to low, but all levels of resistance are useful in managing insect populations. If resistance were not available, maize could not be economically produced in some areas. Many commercial maize hybrids have some resistance to economically important insects. Over 65% of commercial maize hybrids have some resistance to the corn leaf aphid; >90% have some resistance to 1st-generation European com borer, and >75% have some resistance to 2nd-generation European corn borer. Transgenic (Bacillus thuringiensis) cultivars have been developed that will play a major part in the management of borer populations. Resistance to corn earworm has been identified in the silks of various cultivars. The corn rootworm is a significant pest; however, the only useable resistance has been tolerance. Identification of antibiosis to western corn rootworm in maize appears likely. The sources of resistance being explored are exotic maize and relatives of maize. The southwestern corn borer is a significant pest of maize in the southern and southeastern United States. The average annual loss from the borer is 1%. One maize composite population and 8 inbred lines with resistance to southwestern corn borer have been released by the USDA—ARS at Mississippi State University. Most of these cultivars also are resistant to European corn borer. Another host plant resistance program is being developed for chinch bugs. Techniques for production and manual infestation have been developed. A major contribution to host plant resistance research has been the development of techniques that allow various degrees of resistance or susceptibility to be distinguished. These techniques include rearing, manual infestation, and rating damage. They have been readily adapted by the maize industry, and this has promoted cooperative working relations and permits the producer to enjoy the end products of research in a more timely fashion.
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Benefits of Insect-Resistant Maize
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