Selection for resistance of maize accessions against downy mildew (<i>Peronosclerospora philipinensis</i>) and leaf blight (<i>Bipolaris maydis</i>) diseases.

Abstract Downy mildew and leaf blight are the most damaging diseases of maize in subtropical and tropical Asia. The presence of these two diseases severely limits maize production. The most effective and ef4icient way to overcome losses due to this infectious disease is to develop maize varieties that are resistant to various pathogenic species. This study aimed to identify the level of resistance of maize accessions against downy mildew and leaf blight so that it can be widely used in maize breeding programs. Tests on several accessions were carried out using mass screening techniques and inoculation methods for resistance to major maize diseases. Accessions resistance to downy mildew and leaf blight was observed based on the percentage of plant infected. Test results showed that there was 1 maize accession that was resistant to downy mildew (05022-00847) and 9 accessions that were resistant to late blight (05022-00106, 05022-00209, 05022-00765, 05022-00777, 05022-00830, 05022 -00833, 05022-00847, Gumarang, Palakka).