Ovipositional Studies of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on Selected Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes

Four maize genotypes (uniform advanced inbred lines) comprising of two resistant (551-5 & 335) and two susceptible (295 & 1015 (2+3) were selected for ovipositional studies of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). The studies were conducted under choice andno choice conditions. It is inferred trom the present studies that maize stem borer female moths are capable of selecting appropriate site for oviposition. Under both conditions lesser oviposition on resistant genotypes in comparison to susceptible ones indicated ovipositionalantixenosis. Female moths preferred third leaf over first and second leaves from top for oviposition. Among the upper and lower leaf lamia, the maize stem borer moth preferred to lay eggs on the lower lamina in comparison to the upper one. The presence of trichomes were responsible for determining oviposition by C. partellus.