Characterization of morphometric, physiological and biomass production in local maize (Zea mays L.) landraces of Sri Lanka

Abstract

A field trial was conducted with the aim of identifying maize germplasms which confer increased productivity along with resistance against fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) infestation. Seventeen local maize landraces were collected from Ampara, Moneragala and Badulla districts and denoted as South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEU) collections. These were subsequently planted at Agrotech Park, Malwatta (DL2b) in yala 2020, and the responses were compared with Pacific-999. The results revealed that several landraces naturally possessed improved morphological, physiological, and yield traits. Early flowering was found in SEU1 compared to variety Pacific-999. Similarly, SEU14 showed improved cob dry weight (112.34 ± 22.13g) and the highest number of kernels per row (33.60 ± 2.63) while, SEU9 recorded significantly higher LAI (1.79 ± 0.30) at the tasseling stage. The natural resistivity against fall armyworm was found to be higher in SEU14, SEU15, and SEU16. Cluster analysis revealed that three distinct groups of landraces were found while Pacific-999 stands on its own. The novel traits found in this germplasm could be further confirmed through detailed photosynthetic and biomass trials with molecular marker-assisted selection. Once the traits are reaffirmed, they could be introgressed through maize plant breeding programs.