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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Combining ability in maize for resistance to Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith)
Authors
Stephen Asare
Abstract
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E.
Smith) has emerged as a destructive pest in maize-growing regions worldwide,
causing significant yield losses and threatening food security, particularly in
sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to assess the combining ability of
selected maize inbred lines for resistance to fall armyworm and to identify
promising parental combinations for hybrid development. A half-diallel mating
design involving twelve genetically diverse inbred lines was used to generate
66 F₁ hybrids. The hybrids, along with their parents, were evaluated under artificial
infestation across two locations and two cropping seasons. Traits assessed
included leaf damage score (at 7, 14, and 21 days after infestation), larval
count, plant height, days to silking, and grain yield. Significant. GCA effects
were highly significant for resistance-related traits, suggesting that additive
gene action plays a major role in conferring resistance. However, significant
SCA effects for certain crosses indicated the contribution of non-additive gene
action as well. Inbreds L3, L7, and L9 exhibited favorable GCA effects for
multiple resistance traits and moderate to high grain yield. Crosses L3×L7,
L5×L9, and L7×L12 demonstrated superior SCA effects and consistent performance
across environments, making them suitable candidates for further testing and
commercialization. The results highlight the potential of combining ability
analysis in identifying resistant germplasm and optimising breeding strategies
aimed at developing fall armyworm-resistant maize hybrids.
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Pages:15-19
How to cite this article:
Stephen Asare "Combining ability in maize for resistance to Fall Armyworm (<i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> J.E. Smith)". World Journal of Agriculture, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 15-19
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