Induced mutagenesis and extensive hybridization with interspecific derivatives were sought to break undesirable associations between foliar disease resistance and maturity. Several foliar disease resistant mutants and second cycle interspecific-derivatives were isolated in Spanish bunch background. In the present study, a set of ten genotypes were assessed for foliar disease, productivity and physiological parameters over two rainy seasons under foliar disease protected and unprotected conditions. Mutant (28-2) and second cycle interspecific derivative (GPBD 4/ D 39d) were resistant to foliar diseases with high yield potential even under foliar disease epidemic.  28-2 was also resistant to Spodoptera, thrips and Aspergillus infection besides having bold kernels. GPBD 4 was iron absorption efficient and had high O/L ratio (1.68).  These cultures had stable and superior performance over check, JL 24 across years. They also possessed desirable agronomic features, early maturity, high partitioning and better quality, thus showing their potential for cultivation in the farmers field.