Screening ten varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) For resistance to The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.)
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Date
2019-01
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KNUST
Abstract
ost-harvest maize insect pests are a serious constraint to food security and income
generation in sub-Saharan Africa. Ten varieties of maize cultivated in Ghana were screened
to ascertain their resistance to the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais L. to assist farmers
select a variety that can withstand the attack of the insect during storage. The study was
conducted at the insect laboratory of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences of the
Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST,
Kumasi. The Dodie Index of Susceptibility was used to group the varieties. Abeleehi,
Omankwa, Abontem, and Adikanfo had indices less than 4 hence were classified as
resistant. Weevils placed on Abeleehi produced the smallest number of progeny, had the
highest median development period and lowest percentage seed damage and weight loss.
Obatanpa, Aburohoma, Aburohemaa and Pan 12 were classified as moderately resistant
whiles 10C8446 and 12C7636 were classified as moderately susceptible. Abeleehi had the
best germination percentage with 12C7636 recording the lowest germination percentage
after 90 days of storage. The resistant varieties, particularly Abeleehi can be recommended
for S. zeamais management in maize especially for smallholder farmers in Ghana, whose
seed can also be saved by farmers for planting in the subsequent season
Description
Thesis submitted to the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Crop protection (Entomology)