The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization by Glomus intraradices on the susceptibility of maize (Zea mays L.) to damage caused by the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte).

Abstract

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization by Glomus intraradices on the susceptibility of maize, Zea mays L., to damage caused by a major North American corn pest, the western corn rootworm larvae, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, was assessed under greenhouse and laboratory conditions. This is one of the few studies evaluating the potential effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae on macroscopic soil-borne pests. Two separate greenhouse trials (1998 & 1999) were done in order to compare the performance of the maize hybrid Pioneer 3921 under western corn rootworm feeding stress with and without mycorrhizal association. The biochemical profiles of maize roots grown for 2 and 4 weeks under greenhouse conditions were determined using HPLC to test for the possible mycorrhizal induction of the major hydroxamic acid found in maize, 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-(4H)-one (DIMBOA) and its degradation product 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone (MBOA). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)