Inheritance of Resistance in Whole Kernel Maize to Oviposition by the Maize Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Inheritance of resistance in maize, Zea mays L., to oviposition by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, was investigated by first crossing 10 inbred lines (A619, B37, B68, B73, H9S, Mo17, N28, Pa91, R80S, and T220) in all possible combinations (full diallel) in two environments (Florida and Kentucky). Resulting F1 seed was evaluated for resistance to the maize weevil. Remnant F1 seed was then planted, and the F2seed was evaluated for resistance as before. A significant environmental influence occurred on the expression of resistance; maize grown in Florida was consistently more susceptible to maize weevil attack than that grown in Kentucky. Generally, however, the most resistant genotypes in one environment were among the most resistant in the other. Other findings indicated that general combining ability and, to a lesser extent, specific combining ability were important in the heritability of resistance to the maize weevil. A significant maternal effect occurred on resistance in the F1 but it generally was not present in the F2. seed. Conclusions are that, using these genotypes, development of hybrids with significant maize weevil resistance should be possible because the resistance factors were principally influenced by general combining ability and maternal effects were not expressed past the F1 generation.