Effect of different photosynthetic pigments and morphological traits on preference and biological fitness of Spodoptera frugiperda in Zea mays

Abstract

Maize faces significant threats from fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), which impacts yield and quality, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The development of resistant maize hybrids requires an understanding of how plant traits influence pest biology. To address this need, the present study deciphered variation in phenological traits and photosynthetic pigment levels in maize lines and their effect on the biological attributes of S. frugiperda. The study revealed significant differences among the test maize lines for phenological traits, constitutive and insect-induced photosynthetic pigments, and biological attributes of S. frugiperda. The A-lines AI 196, DMS 4B, DDM 2309-O and AI 544, and R-lines AI 125, AI 1100, AI 541, PML 105, PDM 4061, and CML 442 were found with greater anthocyanin pigmentation, moderate leaf glossiness, and moderate number of leaf trichomes as compared to other test maize lines. The larval preference and leaf damage by S. frugiperda was significantly lower in A-lines AI 546, AI 544, and PDIM 639, and R-lines AI 125, AI 542, AI 155, AI 1100, and CML 442. Further, the S. frugiperda developmental durations and life span were longer, while larval survival, adult emergence and fecundity lower on the A-lines CML 565, AI 544, AI 196, and PDIM 639, and R-lines AI 125, AI 155, AI 1100, AI 542, and CML 442 in comparison to other test lines, except in a few cases. The female pupal weight was also recorded as predictor of S. frugiperda fecundity. Thus, the aforementioned maize parental lines were found to possess significant resistance attributes in terms of phenological traits and photosynthetic pigments and could be utilized in maize breeding program.