Yield performance of the European Union Maize Landrace Core Collection under multiple corn borer infestations

Abstract

In Europe, corn borer attack is the main biotic stressor for the maize (Zea mays L.) crop. European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.) is the most important maize pest in central and north Europe, while pink stem borer (Sesamia nonagrioides Lef.) is predominant in warmer areas of southern Europe. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the European Maize Union Landrace Core Collection (EUMLCC) for yield under infestation with European corn borer (O. nubilalis) and pink stem borer (S. nonagrioides). Eighty-five landraces from Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, and Portugal were evaluated, under corn borer infestation, for yield, grain moisture, and days to flowering at two locations in Spain. Landraces were evaluated separately in four trials that corresponded to four maturity groups. In each maturity group, there were significant differences among landraces for yield of infested plants. Extra-early landraces, ESP0090214, FRA0410010, and ESP0070339; early landraces, FRA0410022, and ESP11985022; midseason landraces, PRT00100392 and ESP11981047; and late landraces, PRT00100569 and PRT00100530, were promising sources of high-yielding maize under corn borer infestation and showed relative earliness within their maturity groups.