Evaluation of maize hybrids for resistance to major diseases and pests in the conditions of the southwestern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Topicality. The results of phytopathological evaluation of breeding material (the maize hybrids (Zea mays L.)) against the natural background of the main diseases fusarium (Fusarium (F. moniliforme J. Sheld), bacteriosis (Bacillus mesentericus-vulgatus Flugge), white rust (non-parasitic disease), boil smut (Ustilago zeae (Beskm.) Unger)) are given. The damage of corn hybrids by the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hb) was determined. Purpose. Our research was aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of new maize hybrids for resistance to major diseases and pests in the conditions of the southwestern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The studies was conducted on the fields of Bukovyna State Agricultural Experimental Station of Institute of Agriculture in Carpathian region NAAS in selective crop rotation of NAAS according to generally accepted methods of field experiments, methodical recommendations and handbooks. The resistance of 299 maize hybrids was evaluated, including 125 hybrids in the competitive variety trial and 174 in the preliminary variety trial. Pochayivskyi 190 MV and DB Lada hybrids were used as a standard for comparing early-ripening hybrids, and Orzhytsia 237 MV and DB Khotyn hybrids were used as a standard for comparing mid-early hybrids. Early-ripening hybrids are included in the FAO 180–199, and mid-early hybrids – in the FAO 200–299. Results. Sampling based on hybrids resistance to major diseases and damage by European corn borer will improve grain quality and productivity of newly developed maize hybrids. Highly resistant, resistant and medium resistant to diseases hybrids were identified, which can be recommended for state variety testing: to Fusarium pathogen – 52, 97 and 92 (80.5 %) hybrids, bacteriosis – 143, 106, 38 (95.9 %), white smut – 190, 59, 34 (94.8 %), boil smut – 279, 8, 10 (99.3 %), respectively, and to damage by European corn borer: highest resistant (damage 0–5 %) – 172, high resistant (6–15 %) – 75, and medium resistant (damage 16–25 %) – 35 (94.3 %) hybrids. Conclusion. As a result of multi-year research, a number of maize hybrids, which are characterized by resistance to major diseases and pests and high yielding properties (9.2 t/ha), were bred by the Bukovyna State Agricultural Experimental Station of the Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian Region of NAAS in co-authorship with breeders of the Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS., Thus, 77 maize hybrids have high resistance to damage by European corn borer, 8 hybrids were distinguished by high resistance to the pathogen of boil smut. In addition, 97 maize hybrids were resistant to Fusarium pathogen. The implementation of these hybrids in production will significantly improve the maize yield in the southwestern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. For the second year, the early ripe hybrid (FAO 180) DB Tyras, created in co-authorship with the State Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, is undergoing state variety testing. The hybrid is characterized by high resistance to pathogens of Fusarium, boil smut, the potential yield of which is 13.5 t/ha. Key words: hybrid, maize, natural background, disease, pest, resistance, injury, damage