Working Document Series Open Access 2010 RUF-35223

Genetic diversity in maize landraces for resistance to Chilo partellus in Kenya

P. GibsonS.N. MugoS.W. MunyiriJ.K. MwololoP. OkoriM. Otim

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Abstract

101 words

Yield losses in maize associated with stem borer damage is estimated at 13% annually in Kenya. New sources of resistance to stem borers are needed to develop germplasm for the diverse maize growing ecologies. This study was conducted to establish new sources of resistance from CIMMYT landrace accessions to Chilo partellus. Landraces are expected to provide diverse sources of useful genes that may have been lost during breeding in elite germplasm. Landraces Guan 34, Guat 79, and Guat 1050 were the most resistant, exhibiting lowest tunnel length mean of 8.79 cm compared to the resistant hybrid checks mean of 15.4 cm.

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