ARS | Publication request: Native Resistance of Maize to Western Corn Rootworm Larval Feeding

Submitted to: International Plant Resistance to Insects Workshop Abstracts & Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 11, 2008
Publication Date: February 11, 2008
Citation: Hibbard, B.E., Flint Garcia, S.A., Bohn, M.O., Dashiell, K.E. 2008. Native Resistance of Maize to Western Corn Rootworm Larval Feeding. In: International Plant Resistance to Insects Workshop Abstracts & Proceedings, February 10-12, 2008, Fort Collins, Colorado. p. 46.

Technical Abstract: The western corn rootworm (WCR) is a major insect pest in continuous corn production. By feeding on corn roots, WCR causes economic losses due to plant lodging and decreased nutrient uptake. Currently, insecticides and transgenic corn are only available options for its control under continuous corn production. Maize germplasm CRW3(S1)C6 is a synthetic population developed with resistance to WCR. This recently released germplasm is significantly less damaged than susceptible corn lines when under moderate to heavy rootworm pressure and offers a source of native resistance to WCR for transfer of desired resistance genes into high yielding commercial varieties. A mapping population was derived from this germplasm and phenotypic data has been collected for damage, regrowth, and root size. Upon completion of molecular work and correlation of phenotypic and genotypic data, QTL may be available to facilitate transfer of resistance genes to elite germplasm with minimal transfer of undesired genetic code.