2024, Vol. 7, Issue 7, Part I

author(s)
HS Varma, MB Patel, PK Parmar, DM Rathod and KH Patel

abstract
A field experiment was conducted at the Main Maize Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Godhra, during the kharif seasons from 2019 to 2024 to evaluate maize genotypes for resistance against Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum under artificial inoculation conditions. The experiment utilized a randomized plot design with two replications. During the study period, 46 maize genotypes were assessed based on a leaf damage rating scale of 1-9. Among the genotypes screened, IGPHC 1203, GWH 1230, I-07-66-2-2, GWC 1210, and HKI-287-1 demonstrated resistance to TLB, with disease index ratings between 1.0 and 3.0. Conversely, genotypes GWHQPM-0922, GWHQPM-0929, GYL-11, and GYL-6 were highly susceptible, with ratings exceeding 7.0. These results highlight significant genetic variability in TLB resistance among the maize genotypes. Future breeding programs should focus on enhancing TLB resistance to improve maize resilience and sustainability.