ARTICLES

Greenhouse Screening Peanut Germ Plasm for Resistance to the Lesser Cornstalk Borer¹

Authors: , ,

Abstract

An objective, rapid technique was developed for greenhouse screening of peanuts, (Arachis hypogaea L.), germ plasm for resistance to lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller). Seedlings planted one per container were infested with first instar larvae. Twenty-one days after infestation the plants were scored for damage visible above the soil surface, damage concealed by the soil surface, and survival. Larvae were scored for developmental stage and survival. Entries were screened in groups of 16 including the cultivar 'Starr' as a standard.

Evaluations were made of 490 cultivars, introductions and selections. Eighty-one cultivars scored significantly lower (p ≥ .05) than Starr in one or more rating categories. Re-evaluation of certain cultivars coupled with an analysis of the Starr standard entry show the techniques to be effective in selecting for resistance to the lesser cornstalk borer.

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Keywords: Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), Lesser cornstalk borer, plant resistance, peanut, greenhouse evaluation technique, Arachis hypogaea L, Groundnut

How to Cite: Smith, J. , Posada, L. & Smith, O. (1980) “Greenhouse Screening Peanut Germ Plasm for Resistance to the Lesser Cornstalk Borer¹”, Peanut Science. 7(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-7-2-2

Author Notes

1Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Article No. 15917. Research supported by CSRS Project No. 215-15-99, Hatch Project No. 1789 and 1882.