Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 89-97 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 93 helping to control pests (Assefa et al., 2019; Firake and Behere, 2020). So when selecting materials, these "external aids" should also be taken into account. 5.3 How to put resistance traits into good varieties? Even if you find a few resistant materials, you can't plant them in the field immediately. Because they may be insect-resistant, but other traits may not be good. The next step is to "graft" these resistance characteristics onto high-yield and adaptable varieties through traditional breeding or biotechnology. This is usually achieved through repeated backcrossing, which sounds slow. In fact, with marker-assisted technology, breeders can track the transmission process of resistance genes faster. It is worth mentioning that in addition to improving varieties, a method called "push-pull system" is also being explored. For example, use fake stinkweed to drive away pests, and then plant crops such as Brachi grass next to corn to attract pests away from the main crop. Combining these ideas with resistance breeding is expected to further improve overall insect resistance (Midega et al., 2018). 5.4 What are the impacts on global food and future research? Once corn varieties can better resist fall armyworms, the most direct benefit is more stable yields, farmers use less pesticides, and the cost of farming will be reduced. This is particularly critical for high-risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and the Himalayas (Figure 2) (Singh et al., 2023). Figure 2 Biology, damage and natural enemies of fall armyworm (Adopted from Singh et al., 2023) Image caption: (a) egg stage; (b) larval stage; (c) pupal stage; (d) adult female; (e) adult male; (f) larva feeding in whorl region of the maize plant with production of frasses and faecal matter; (g) Eocanthecona furcellata adult; (h). Ichneumonid pupae; (i,j) attack by entomopathogen (fungal infection and NPV infection); (k) Campoletis chloridae; (l) spiders; (m) wasp (Adopted from Singh et al., 2023) But this is far from over. Subsequent research needs to clarify the genetic mechanism behind resistance, deeply understand the role of natural enemy systems, and explore how to use resistant varieties with various field management methods (Wan et al., 2021). To truly solve the problem, it is not enough to rely on scientists alone. Farmers' experience and policy coordination are equally important. These three aspects must work well together to truly make corn production more stable and long-term.
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