Nutritional Factors in Relation to Infestation of Spotted Stem Borer <i>Chilo partellus</i> Swinhoe on Maize

Twenty-five unique maize genotypes have been assessed against maize spotted stem borer Chilo partellus Swinhoe, for varying levels of resistance or susceptibility in relation to nutritional traits. The results indicated significant diversity among genotypes. Higher nitrogen content, exemplified by “P-3555” with 4.25%, correlated with increased susceptibility to C. partellus, while lower nitrogen and higher potassium levels, as seen in “Lakshmi” with 1.72 per cent, demonstrated greater resistance. Notably, a negative correlation between potassium levels and infestation rates suggests potassium’s role in deterring pest survival and development. The varieties Deep Jwala, New Cross 52×65 and RHM 3 exhibited resilience, showing leaf injury scores of 2.65, 2.77, and 2.82, respectively. These genotypes showed infestation rates of 17.87, 17.87, and 16.75%, stem tunnelling of 2.49, 3.51 and 2.41, and exit hole of 3.05, 3.34 and 3.92%; Dekalb 9170, P 3555, and RHM 2 emerged as the most vulnerable. There existed a positive correlation between the total nitrogen and protein content of the genotypes with varying levels of infestation. In contrast, the total potassium exhibited a negative correlation, suggesting its potential role in influencing the infestation.