Evaluation of quality protein maize inbred lines for resistance to Turcicum leaf blight and grey leaf spot disease under field condition at mid altitude sub-humid agro-ecology of Ethiopia

Grey Leaf Spot and Turcicum Leaf Blight, severe foliar diseases of maize caused by the fungi Cercospora zeamaydis and Exserohilum turcicum, are characterized by relatively rapid leaf necrosis and premature death of foliage which reduces grain yield of maize crop in Ethiopia, the diseases become a major problem in all major maize growing areas. The study was carried out with the objective to evaluate and identify resistant/tolerant quality protein maize inbred lines to turcicum leaf blight and grey leaf spot diseases. A total of 25 QPM inbred lines were evaluate and necessary data on incidence, disease severity, AUDPC, plant height and grain yield were recorded. Result of combined analysis variance showed significant (p<0.05) difference of year x inbred lines interaction for TLB and GLS severity. The performances of the inbred lines were not consistent across years as evident from the significant year x genotypes interactions. Out of twenty five quality protein inbred lines, four of them showed resistant to turcicum leaf blight and three inbred lines resistance to grey leaf spot disease. The majority of quality protein inbred lines were showed moderate resistant to both diseases. Some quality protein maize inbred lines resistance to both diseases, indicating that it can carry genes for multiple traits. However, further study required through fine mapping and identification of co-located QTLs. Overall, the identified resistance inbred lines can be utilized in future maize breeding program like for possible use of introgression into cultivars, as source of donor and varietal resistance development.