Quantitative Trait Loci for Asian Corn Borer Resistance in Maize Population Mc37 x Zi330

Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee), is the most important pest of maize in China and Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to understand the genetic basis for Asian corn borer resistance. The study included 162 F-2:3 populations derived from Mc37 (resistant) x Zi330 (susceptible) and field data were collected in 2004 and 2005. A linkage map was constructed from 118 SSR markers. Combined quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis combined across environments was performed by composite interval mapping method (CIM). Four QTLs with additive effects were detected for resistance to Asian corn borer leaf feeding damage in chromosome bins 1.08, 2.04/05, 4.01, and 10.04. Three putative QTLs were detected for Asian corn borer stalk damage in chromosome bins 1.01, 2.05, and 9.01. Maize resistance to Asian corn borer and European corn borer, O. nubilalis (Hubner), may share a common mechanism. Genes responsible for DIMBOA biosynthesis are in chromosome bin 4.01 and may increase the observed resistance to Asian corn borer leaf feeding.