phenolic acid content in leaves of two strains of maize in three developmental stages

Abstract

Seeds of two maize strains, one resistant and the other susceptible to Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) and to Southwestern corn borer (Diatraea grandiosella Dyar), were sown in the field and the plants were artificially infested with neonatal larvae of the two insects. Coumaric and ferulic acid concentration was determined in leaves of the plants at 3 stages. The feeding damage was evaluated. Differences in phenolic acids concentration were found in the two maize lines in all thr ee stages. Leaf damage in the plants infested with Southwestern corn borer was higher in plants infested with Armyworm.