The effect of corn (Zea mays) genotypes on the biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) was evaluated to identify possible sources of resistance. The development of the insect was compared on 5 inbred lines from Mississippi (EUA), 5 genotypes from Instituto Agronômico de Campinas and one genotype from Central America (Zapalote Chico). Results showed that the duration of larval stage and larval weight 10 days after emergence were affected by genotypes Mp707, Zapalote Chico, Mp701, Mp706 and Mp705. Viability of larval stage was affected by genotypes Mp705 and Mp706, while the pupal weight was smaller on genotype IAC103 BPl. The duration and viability of pupal stage, sexual ratio, and % of malformed adults were less important to discriminate these cultivars. It was concluded that the least suitable genotypes for development of the insect were Mp707 and Zapalote Chico, followed by Mp706, Mp705 and Mp701, while the most adequates were IAC103 N, IAC701 N and Mp496.
Insecta; fall armyworm; plant resistance; Zea mays
