Antibiosis of Physical Characteristics of Maize Grains to Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) in Free Choice Test

Physical characteristics of eight maize varieties /lines (EV-6089, Sahiwal-2002, Golden, 34N43, EV-1098, Sultan, China-1, EV-20), seven yellow and one white, obtained from Maize and Millet Research Institute, Yousaf Wala, Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan, in free choice test, were correlated with biological parameters of life history of Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera). S. cerealella was cultured on a susceptible maize variety for two generations and was then transferred on the grains of the test varieties / lines for further experiments. Results showed that the maximum number of moths was emerged in Sultan (9.33) and China-1 (9.33). Fecundity was highest on variety EV-6089 (50.00). Maximum number of eggs hatched in Sultan (87.83%). Highest moth weight was observed in variety EV-6089 (7.82 mg). Maximum development time was shared by China 1 and 32N43 (32.67 and 32.33 days, respectively). Maximum percent grain damage and weigh loss was in EV-1098 (93.46% and 42.19%, respectively). Average grain weight was maximum (32.33 mg) in China-1. EV-6089 and EV-1098 had significantly high hardness index. The varieties had positive as well as negative correlation between hardness index and average grain weight (1000 grains) and life history parameters. On the basis of correlation, involvement of the grain characteristics in the resistance of maize grain towards S. cerealella is discussed.