Foliar Resistance to Fall Armyworm in Corn Germplasm Lines that Confer Resistance to Root- and Ear-Feeding Insects*

ABSTRACT A holistic approach to developing new corn germplasm that confers multiple insect resistance in various plant tissues at different growth stages was examined. Eight corn germplasm lines were examined for their foliar resistance to fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and natural enemy attraction at V6–V8 (or 6–8 leaf) stages in 2008 and 2009. Four corn germplasm lines with known levels of resistance to root- and ear-feeding insects [‘CRW3(S1)C6’, ‘B37*H84’, ‘SIM6’ and ‘EPM6’], and four germplasm entries with different levels of S. frugiperda resistance (‘Mp708’, ‘Ab24E’, ‘FAW7061’ and ‘FAW7111’) were evaluated in the study. All plants were manually infested with 15–20 neonate S. frugiperda larvae per plant, and injury was rated 7 and 14 d after infestation. Based on cluster analysis of S. frugiperda injury rating and predator survey data, ‘Mp708’ and ‘FAW7061’ were the most resistant, whereas ‘Ab24E’ and ‘EPM6’ were the most susceptible to fall armyworm fee...