ABSTRACTThe maize weevil (MW), Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.), is an important pest of stored maize (Zea mays L.) in tropical areas. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with MW resistance were analyzed. A total of 163 F2 progeny derived from the cross CML290 (susceptible) × Muneng‐8128 C0 HC1‐18‐2‐1‐1 (resistant), were genotyped with 151 molecular markers. Resistance was evaluated using bioassays on replicated F2:3 progenies. Grain damage (GD), grain weight losses (GWL), MW susceptibility index (Dobie index [DI]), and numbers of adult progeny (AP) were evaluated on grain from F2 lines across two environments. Grain hardness and pericarp/grain ratio were evaluated as putative components of resistance. Composite interval mapping was used for QTL analysis. Five QTL dispersed across the genome explained 28% of the phenotypic variance (σp2) and 50% of the genotypic variance (σg2) for GD. Six QTL were detected with effects on GWL and explained 22% of σp2 and 47% of σg2 Seven QTL (27% σp2 and 78% σg2) were identified for DI and three QTL (10% σp2 and 23% σg2) for AP. Both parents contributed resistance alleles. Genetic effects were mainly dominant (GD, GWL, and DI) and additive (AP). Quantitative trait loci × environment interaction was significant for 50% of the QTL. Since the identified QTL accounted for less than a third of σp2, additional mapping populations are required for mapping MW susceptibility.