Integrative analysis of maize cultivars: unveiling leaf angles of maize and mean leaf injury caused by spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe

The results demonstrate considerable variability in both leaf angles and mean leaf injury scores across the cultivars. Shaktiman-4 displayed the widest leaf angle at 60.25 degrees, while RHM-2 exhibited the narrowest angle at 46.00 degrees. In terms of mean leaf injury scores, RHM-2 recorded the highest susceptibility at 7.42, whereas Deep Jwala displayed notable resistance with a score of 2.65. Lakshmi, identified as resistant, showcased a leaf angle of 54.50 degrees and a mean leaf injury score of 3.70, underscoring its dual significance in plant morphology and stress resilience. New Cross variants displayed intriguing variations, with New Cross (72 × 70) recording both a high leaf angle (63.50 degrees) and a relatively low mean leaf injury score (3.57).