Biotic stress response in maize (Zea mays L.)

 Dan Singh Jakhar, Rajesh Singh

                            Genetics & Plant Breeding, IAS, BHU, Varanasi-221005

                                Received: 04 April 2015      Revised Accepted: 14 May 2015

ABSTRACT

Biotic stresses are a potential threat to global food security and commonly induced by diseases or by insect pests, are a primary factor in maize yield losses. The most prevalent maize diseases are northern corn leaf blight, ear rot, maize rough dwarf disease and sugarcane mosaic disease. Maize is also plagued by pests, including stem borer, pink borer, shoot fly, termites and the storage pest maize weevil. The origin of new pathogens and insect races due to climatic and genetic factors is a major challenge for plant breeders in breeding biotic stress resistant crops. Approximately 10% of the global maize yield is lost each year as a result of biotic stresses. Reduced yield due to biotic stresses and increasing food demand put international food security at risk as 70% more food will be required in 2050.

Key Words: Biotic stress, Response, Zea mays L.