Genetic resistance of maize inbred lines to anthracnose leaf blight

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate the resistance of maize inbred lines to anthracnose leaf blight (Colletotrichum graminicola Ces.), and to estimate genetic parameters associated with resistance. Sixteen lines (S5) were evaluated for resistance to anthracnose leaf blight in three experiments, in a randomized block design with four replications. From three evaluations of severity, it was estimated the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and the genetic parameters associated with resistance. Results showed the existence of genetic variability for resistance to anthracnose leaf blight in the set of studied lines. Five lines stood out for the high resistance pattern to anthracnose leaf blight, presenting the lowest AUDPC values in the three experiments, and thus were considered important sources of C. graminicola resistance genes. Estimates of genetic parameters indicated low participation of the environment and highlighted the possibility of genetic gains with artificial selection for resistance in this pathosystem.