Soluble peroxidase activity in maize endosperm associated with maize weevil resistance

Plant peroxides (PODs) are involved in resistance to pathogens and insects. This study investigated the role of POD in maize (Zea mays L.) resistance to the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.). Insect bioassays were performed under controlled conditions to assess maize weevil resistance. Peroxidase activity was measured in the major grain tissues using glualacol and peroxide. Significant variation (P > 0.001) among genotypes was observed in both the insect bioassay traits and POD activity. Peroxidase was detected in the embryo, endosperm, and pedicel, but it was not detected in the pericarp. Significant correlations were found between endosperm was restricted to the aleurone layer. This study shows that POD activity is correlated with the maize weevil resistance and may be used as a potential biochemical marker.