Unraveling the role of maize (Zea mays L.) cell-wall phenylpropanoids in stem-borer resistance.

The cell wall putatively plays a role in host-plant resistance to phytopathogens. Here, we investigated which cell wall-bound phenolic compounds have determining roles in maize (Zea mays) resistance to attack by the Mediterranean corn borer Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefèbvre). Diverse sets of maize genotypes having contrasting hydroxycinnamate contents and borer resistance levels were evaluated. The interdependent relationships among some cell wall-bound phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid and its dimers, or p-coumaric acid and syringyl lignin subunits, were analyzed. Both p-coumaric acid and syringyl momoners showed significant negative correlations with damage, as assessed by tunnel lengths, caused by S. nonagrioides larvae. Thus, the use of cell wall-bound p-coumaric acid in pest-resistant crop breeding programs is advisable.