Antibiosis of the pith maize to Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Thirteen inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) with different levels of stem resistance to the stem borer Sesamia nonagrioides Lefevbre were evaluated in the Þeld and the laboratory to determine the antibiotic resistance to this pest. Inbreds CM151, CO125, and EP39 had antibiotic pith as well as stem resistance, so the pith could play a role in stem resistance. Inbreds A509, F473, and PB130 did not have antibiotic pith but had stem resistance; therefore, other mechanisms could confer stem resistance. Finally, the inbred MS1334 had antibiotic pith and did not show stem resistance; thus, other factors could compensate the effect of the pith. Therefore, although pith antibiotic compound seems to play a role in the defense against S. nonagrioides attack, it is not the only possible mechanism of defense.B.O. acknowledges a fellowship from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Spain. This research was supported by the Autonomous Government of Galicia (XUGA 40301B98) and by the Cátedra Filgueira Valverde.MCYTXunta de GaliciaCátedra Filgueira ValverdePeer reviewe