Host Status of Commercial Maize Hybrids to Rotylenchulus reniformis.

The host status of 50 commercial maize hybrids for a Mississippi population of Rotylenchulus reniformis was determined in greenhouse experiments. Reproduction was measured by determining RF values ([final egg number + juveniles and vermiform adults in soil] / initial egg number) and number of eggs per gram of fresh root. All hybrids maintained R. reniformis below the initial population level, indicating that they are relatively poor hosts for this species. RF values for R. reniformis among hybrids were different (P </= 0.05) and ranged from 0.03 for 'Pioneer 3147' and 'Pioneer 3136' to 0.60 for 'Hy Performer HS60'. No R. reniformis eggs were recovered from the roots of 15 of the maize hybrids.