Genetic improvement of corn: the improvement of the plant in antagonism to pest resistance

Abstract

The main antagonism to the genetic improvement of corn is the resistance created by the pests. The work aims, therefore, to link the production of hybrids with the breakdown of resistance of the target pests, in order to get closer to maintaining an improved variety for a longer time without the maintenance of its improvement. For the construction of this reasoning, subjects such as improvement and use of hybrids, resistance to pests in the improved plant and management strategies are essential and discussed in the chapters. Refuge, biological control and pheromones are some examples of integrated management strategies that can delay the resistance process, therefore, very important for achieving the objective. Using this information, combining, and improving management strategies, it is possible to generate maize varieties that are more resistant to pests and the diseases caused by them, with higher nutritional quality, highly productive and with lower economic cost: beneficial point for both consumers and farmers.