Fall armyworm resistance and natural enemy attraction in elite GEM inbred lines

Multiple foliar- and ear-feeding insects are important impediments for corn production in the southern US states. After being assessed for ear-feeding insect resistance in 2007 and 2008, 20 elite inbred lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) Project were evaluated for whorl-feeding fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] resistance in 2009 and 2010. Both S. frugiperda injury ratings at 7 and 14d after the initial infestation at 6-leaf stage were compared. In addition, natural enemy abundance and diversity at 7d after the infestation were also compared among the 20 inbred lines. The correlation between natural enemy profiles and levels of S. frugiperda injury ratings on corn plants were also discussed. The best inbred lines with the least S. frugiperda injury and/or the most natural enemy attractiveness were identified.