pnut pnut Peanut Science 0095-3679 0095-3679 American Peanut Research and Education Society 10.3146/i0095-3679-7-2-2 Articles Greenhouse Screening Peanut Germ Plasm for Resistance to the Lesser Cornstalk Borer1 J. W. Smith Jr. 2, Lazaro Posada 3, and O. D. Smith 4 Associate Professor of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 77843 Former graduate student, Department of Entomology (presently Director, Programma Nacional de Entomologia, Bogota, Columbia) Associate Professor of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 77843

1Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Article No. 15917. Research supported by CSRS Project No. 215-15-99, Hatch Project No. 1789 and 1882.

 7 1980 7 2 68 71 28 6 1980 American Peanut Research and Education Society 1980 American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstract

An objective, rapid technique was developed for greenhouse screening of peanuts, (Arachis hypogaea L.), germ plasm for resistance to lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller). Seedlings planted one per container were infested with first instar larvae. Twenty-one days after infestation the plants were scored for damage visible above the soil surface, damage concealed by the soil surface, and survival. Larvae were scored for developmental stage and survival. Entries were screened in groups of 16 including the cultivar ‘Starr’ as a standard.

Evaluations were made of 490 cultivars, introductions and selections. Eighty-one cultivars scored significantly lower (p≥.05) than Starr in one or more rating categories. Re-evaluation of certain cultivars coupled with an analysis of the Starr standard entry show the techniques to be effective in selecting for resistance to the lesser cornstalk borer.

 Key Words Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller); , lesser cornstalk borer; , plant resistance; , peanut; , greenhouse evaluation technique; , Arachis hypogaea L; , groundnut