Multivariate analysis reveals key traits of fall armyworm resistance in tropical popcorn genotypes

ABSTRACT In the present study it is hypothesized that the germplasm of popcorn of tropical regions shows resistance to FAW, and the multivariate analysis can characterize the main traits of this resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify key traits used to select fall armyworm resistance in popcorn by using factor and cluster analyses. Sixteen biological traits were evaluated at larval and pupae stages: total number of armyworm, time larval period, final mass of caterpillars, total mass of caterpillars, mean mass of caterpillars, pupae period, mass of pupae and some indices used t...