Identification and Evaluation of Resistance of 54 Fresh Corn Hybrids to Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

Objective The resistance levels of 54 fresh corn varieties (hybrids) to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) were identified and evaluated with a purpose to provide references for resistance breeding.

Method Leaf and ear resistance of 54 fresh corn varieties hybrids was identified and evaluated in the spring and autumn of 2020 under the natural condition of fall armyworm outbreak. The resistance of 54 fresh corn varieties (hybrids) to fall armyworm was analyzed comprehensively based on the results of two seasons.

Result The results showed that most of the leaves and ears of fresh corn were susceptible or highly susceptible to fall armyworm, and there were no highly resistant or resistant varieties (hybrids). Only one hybrid Yuewucaitiannuo displayed medium resistance on both leaves and ears, accounting for 1.85% of total hybrids. 14 hybrids such as Yuexiannuo 2, Yuebaitiannuo 5 and Yuetian 33 showed medium resistance on ears only, accounting 25.93% of all the hybrids.

Conclusion Based on the preliminary identification results of the leaves and ears of 54 fresh corn varieties, it was found that the resistant resources of fresh corn were relatively scarce, and fall armyworm preferred leaves or ears from 54 hybrids differently. There was no significant difference in leaf resistance among different sweet corn varieties, and certain degree of resistance existed in the ears of waxy corn or tropical derived sweet corn, which could be used for insect resistance breeding.