ARS | Publication request: Genetics and Biochemistry of Insect Resistance in Maize

Submitted to: Maize Handbook
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2007
Publication Date: January 1, 2009
Citation: McMullen, M.D., Frey, M., Degenhardt, J. 2009. Genetics and Biochemistry of Insect Resistance in Maize. In: Bennetzen, J., Hake, S. editors. The Maize Handbook. New York, NY. Springer. p. 271-289.

Technical Abstract: Insects are a major concern for maize production worldwide. Host plant resistance to insects involves a number of chemical and biochemical factors that limit but rarely eliminate insect damage. Most chemical and many biochemical factors involved in resistance to insects are synthesized independent of the pest as phytoanticipines. These factors are stored in sequestered forms that are modified to active structures upon insect infestation and tissue damage. Because the genetic basis of varietal responses to insects is quantitative in nature, quantitative trait locus analysis has been a standard approach to describe insect resistance for maize. These studies often examined correlated biochemical traits to link genetic loci with biological mechanisms. Recently there has been a realization of the importance of herbivore enemies that are attracted by maize in response to herbivore damage. Upon infestation, maize releases volatile chemicals to actively recruit parasitic wasps or nematodes to combat the insect pests. In this review, we examine the current state of knowledge of the biochemical, genetic and plant-insect tritrophic mechanisms involved in maize resistance to insect pests.