Seven maize genotypes comprising resistant, moderately resistant, and highly susceptible to Chilo partellus were taken to observe the role of biochemical plant factors at various stages of crop growth i.e. 10, 20 and 30 DAE. Distinctly low leaf chlorophyll, carotenoid, nitrogen, crude protein and moisture content were noticed in resistant varieties as compared to susceptible ones. The correlations between leaf injury due to C. partellus with these biochemical factors individually were positively correlated, the significant differences being in carotenoid content at 10 and 20 DAE only. It means that less carotenoid content in early stages of crop growth contribute towards resistance against the borer in maize.
Biochemical factors, Chilo partellus, Maize, Resistance
