Qtl analysis of western corn rootworm resistance traits in maize IBM population grown in continuous maize

Abstract

The western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte; WCR) is the most destructive maize pest in the USA, and one of the most dangerous pests in Europe. In just over a decade from the introduction it became one of the most serious pests in Croatia. Native resistant cultivars could be an efficient strategy for WCR control. Although research in WCR host plant resistance has continuously been conducted for over 70 years, no resistant maize hybrid is commercially available today. The aim of this study was to evaluate resistance traits in the maize IBM intermated recombinant inbred lines (IRILs), and detect QTLs associated with resistance to WCR herbivory. Total of 207 recombinant inbred lines were phenotyped for standard WCR resistance traits. Several associated QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. QTLs on chromosomes 1 (6.41 % variance explained), and 6 (9.26 % variance explained) were mapped in regions harboring genes connected with plant defense against herbivory. Detected QTLs provide relevant guidelines for future research on WCR resistance in maize.