Evaluation of infestation methods for studying resistance against pink borer Sesamia inferens Walker in maize genotypes

To determine appropriate method of infestation for screening maize genotypes against pink borer, three methods viz., 1) release of 15–20 neonates in the plant whorl with larval dispenser (Bazooka), 2) placing of 15–20 neonates with camel hair brush between first leaf sheath and stem, and 3) placing of egg mass of 15–20 eggs between first leaf sheath and stem were evaluated. Release of 15–20 neonates between first leaf sheath and stem was observed to be the most reliable method. Appropriate larval load and crop age/stage for effective infestation were also determined. Release of 15–20 neonates per plant at 14–18 days after germination (6–8 leaf stage) proved to be the most effective and reliable technique for screening maize genotypes against pink borer.