DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS) VARIETY RESISTANT TO THE MAIZE STALK BORER (CHILO-PARTELLUS)

The resistant present in Antigua Gr I and double cross 'Colombian hybr id H207' was utilized as a source of resistance to develop maize (Zea mays L.) resistant to the maize stalk borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe). As the insect resistance in maize is mainly under the influence of ad ditive genes, the population improvement procedure for breeding resist ant maize variety was adopted which is more efficient to capitalise on the additive genetic component. The resistant genes of Antigua Gr I w ere super-imposed upon the resistant gene combination of 'H207'. Three cycles of half-sib and full-sib were followed and in each cycle the p rogenies were subjected to artificial infestation by the egg masses (b lack-head stage) of Chilo partellus. The progenies showing rating less than 5 on rating scale 1-9 were considered for further testing and in corporation. In this process, a balanced medium maturity (90-95 days) composite of selected families was derived and designated as entomolog ical borer resistant (EBR) composite endowed with a good level of resi stance and yield potential.