DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate the developmental and reproductive responses of Chilo partellus on different maize varieties under in vitro conditions.

Methodology

In vitro experiments were conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Two maize varieties were tested: Conventional Maize (Azam) and Hybrid Maize (Pioneer-3025). A laboratory colony of Chilo partellus was established and reared on these maize varieties. Developmental stages (egg incubation, larval instars, pupal duration, adult lifespan, total life cycle) and reproductive traits (fecundity, egg fertility) were observed and recorded. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test and correlation analysis with Statistix 8.1.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Establish Chilo partellus culture] --> B[Rearing on Maize Varieties];
    B --> C[Conventional Maize Azam];
    B --> D[Hybrid Maize Pioneer-3025];
    C --> E[Observe Developmental Stages];
    D --> E;
    E --> F[Record Fecundity and Fertility];
    F --> G[Statistical Analysis];
    G --> H[Compare Results];
    H --> I[Draw Conclusions];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the potential of hybrid maize varieties, specifically "Pioneer-3025," as a resistant cultivar against Chilo partellus. The reduced developmental period, shorter lifespan, lower fecundity, and decreased egg fertility observed on hybrid maize suggest that its genetic and chemical properties negatively impact the pest's biology. This contrasts with conventional maize, which supported better development and reproduction of C. partellus. The findings support the hypothesis that conventional maize varieties may demonstrate greater host plant resistance compared to hybrid varieties, though this study's results indicate the opposite for the tested hybrid. The research emphasizes the importance of utilizing resistant maize cultivars as a sustainable pest management strategy.

Key Findings

- Chilo partellus exhibited significantly shorter developmental durations on hybrid maize compared to conventional maize.
- The total developmental period on conventional maize ranged from 46.22 to 69.34 days (mean: 57.78 ± 11.56 days), while on hybrid maize, it ranged from 26.87 to 40.99 days (mean: 33.93 ± 7.06 days).
- Female adults survived longer than males on both maize varieties, but their lifespan was shorter on hybrid maize.
- Fecundity was significantly higher on conventional maize (mean: 604 ± 104.67 eggs) compared to hybrid maize (mean: 302 ± 95.06 eggs).
- Egg fertility was also significantly higher on conventional maize (mean: 55.44 ± 1.81%) compared to hybrid maize (mean: 24.61 ± 1.77%).

Conclusion

The hybrid maize variety "Pioneer-3025" was effective in reducing the developmental duration and reproductive capacity of Chilo partellus under in vitro conditions. Cultivating this hybrid variety is recommended to help suppress C. partellus populations due to its genetic traits that hinder pest development and reproduction. Further field trials are recommended to confirm these laboratory findings.

Fact Check

- The total developmental period of C. partellus on conventional maize ranged from 46.22 to 69.34 days (mean: 57.78 ± 11.56 days).
- The mean fecundity on conventional maize was 604 ± 104.67 eggs per female.
- The mean egg fertility on conventional maize was 55.44 ± 1.81%.

Mind Map