Resistance of conventional and isogenic transgenic maize hybrids to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This study evaluated the effect of damage caused by S. frugiperda on yield of maize hybrids and their conventional and isogenic transgenic versions, with different Bt toxins, in field conditions. Experiments were conducted in the municipalities of Campinas and Mococa, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in the growing seasons of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, in a randomized complete block design, with 12 treatments and four replications. The variables evaluated were: grain productivity, one hundred grain weight and grain yield. For the assessment of damage caused by S. frugiperda was verified the intensity of leaf injuries through visual scale of notes, with variation of 0 and 9, from 15 to 60 days after sowing. Lower scores of damage caused by S. frugiperda were found in transgenic hybrids. Most conventional hybrids do not differ in grain productivity from at least one of isogenic transgenic versions. The same maize hybrid with different Bt toxins may have different productive behavior in field conditions. Different Bt toxins respond differently to damage caused by S. frugiperda.