RELATIONS AMONG WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM RESISTANCE TRAITS AND ELEMENTS CONCENTRATION IN MAIZE GERMPLASM ROOTS

Abstract

Western corn rootworm – WCR (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) is an important maize pest in Croatia. Using native resistance of maize germplasm could reduce chemical treatments and other costs in maize production. Objectives of this study were: i) to assess variability of WCR resistance traits (root injury, regrowth and size) and concentrations of nine elements in roots of 128 maize genotypes, and ii) to determine correlations among the traits and ion concentrations. Results revealed high variability of maize genotypes for both WCR resistance traits and ion concentrations. Significant moderate negative correlations (>-0.4) were detected between root injury and boron as well as between root regrowth and iron, manganese and zinc concentrations in root. Consequently, ion concentration in maize roots might have an impact on WCR resistance research.

Keywords

• western corn rootworm
• root injury
• ion concentration
• maize germplasm