Screening of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars resistance against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch) under controlled environment

We evaluated the tolerance of 9- Zea mays L. varieties (Baby Corn, Bajaura sweet corn, Bajaura popcorn, Bajaura Makka, Girija composite, L-315, L-316, L-317 and L-318) against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch). The experiment was done in ‘No-Choice Tests’ under the laboratory conditions in completely randomized design. The observations on the number of progeny emergence, grain damage (on number and weight basis) and weight loss were recorded. Preliminary observations revealed that the longest developmental period from egg to adult occurred in the Bajaura Popcorn variety, followed by Bajaura Sweet Corn. Resistance to the maize weevil varied significantly among the varieties, ranging from 88 % in Bajaura Sweet Corn and 86 % in Bajaura Popcorn to 24 % in Girjia Composite, indicating differential varietal responses to infestation. These variations may be due to differences in the genetic background of the cultivars. The identified tolerant genotypes could serve as valuable donors for breeding programmes to enhance resistance to maize weevil in new maize varieties.