Resistance of Two Maize Landraces in Breeding Stage to the Attack of <i>Sitophilus zeamais</i>

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the resistance of grain from two varieties of maize landraces in initial breeding in Bom Jesus-PI, with respect to S. zeamais attack. Seeds of two maize landraces were used: purple straw maize from two different origins (S &atilde o Paulo (SP) and Espírito Santo (ES)) and Peruvian purple maize . The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. The data for each response variable were subjected to analysis of variance, applying the F-test (p ≤ 0.05), and when significant differences were found, there was a comparison of means by Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). The statistical analyses were performed using the software SAS &reg . In a free-choice test and bioassay for evaluating the nutritional index (no choice test), maize varieties differed significantly by Tukey test and the cultivar SP was considered resistant, while the cultivars purple and ES were considered susceptible.