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Evaluation of Mechanical Damage to Roots of Commercial Varieties of Corn ( Zea mays L.) 1
Author(s) -
Fitzgerald Paul J.,
Ortman Eldon E.,
Branson Terry F.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1968.0011183x000800040007x
Subject(s) - zea mays , biology , agronomy , grain yield , western corn rootworm , yield (engineering) , resistance (ecology) , poaceae , larva , botany , materials science , metallurgy
The roots of six commercial varieties of corn, ( Zea Mays L.), in 1963 and eight varieties in 1964 and 1965 were mechanically injured to simulate feeding of rootworm larvae. Approximately 0, 25, 50, and 75% of the roots were removed by cutting with a sharpened spade on 1, 2, or 3 dates. Highly significant differences in grain yield and percent lodging resulted from treatments in 1964 and 1965. Differences in percent moisture were significant only in 1964. A highly significant treatment X variety interaction was also present in 1964. The implications of these results in breeding for resistance or tolerance to the corn rootworm are discussed.