Comparative resistance of improved maize genotypes and landraces to maize weevil

Abstract

A comparative study of maize (Zea mays L.) weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) resistance in selected landraces and improved genotypes of maize, was conducted through a field experiment and laboratory assays. The maize grain characteristics that confer resistance to the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, namely; grain hardness, weight and protein content, were compared in 50 improved maize genotypes developed by CIMMYT and two landraces (Cimambwe and Pandawe). The relative susceptibility of all maize experimental material tothe weevil, were also compared using Dobie’s susceptibility indices, grain weight loss and median development period. Genotypes were significantly different (p