Abstract
Push-pull cropping approaches for pest management target the oviposition behavior of adult females. However, insect larvae may move from the natal host and undermine the effectiveness of this approach. We investigated the longevity and feeding preference of pickleworm neonates (Diaphania nitidalis Cramer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)) in relation to a potential push-pull cropping approach incorporating squash as a trap crop (pull) and watermelon as a deterrent intercrop (push) to protect a main crop of cantaloupe. Neonates could survive between 24 to 64 h without food, indicating they have some initial energy reserves to keep alive while in search of a suitable feeding site. To assess neonate feeding preferences, naive neonates were given the choice of five foods; leaves of squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, bean, and a pinto bean-based artificial diet. To assess if previous feeding experience influences neonate food source preference, neonates were allowed to feed on one of the five foods for 24 h and then given the same choice of the five food sources. The neonates, with or without previous feeding experience, did not appear to have a significant preference for any of the cucurbits: squash, cantaloupe, or watermelon, but they did prefer a cucurbit to the bean leaf or artificial diet. Feeding experience on one of these non-host foods made neonates more accepting of these food sources in the choice arena even when host plant food sources became available. It appears that neonate feeding preferences of pickleworm would neither hinder nor enhance the potential success of the proposed cucurbits to be used in a potential push-pull cropping approach for pickleworm management.
Highlights
Worldwide there has been an increased interest in alternative pest management strategies to reduce pesticide use and create more environmentally sound production systems
One form of this approach employs the use of a trap crop and a deterrent intercrop to effectively prevent a pest from settling on the main crop [1]. This strategy has been used in some systems to target Lepidoptera pests and reduce larval feeding damage on the main crop. An example of this cropping approach is the effective management of the stemborer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), on maize (Zea mays L.) by the use of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) as a trap crop and molasses grass
We investigated the behavior of neonate pickleworm larvae, in relation to the potential push-pull cropping approach
Summary
Worldwide there has been an increased interest in alternative pest management strategies to reduce pesticide use and create more environmentally sound production systems. One such alternative is an ecological management approach called a “push-pull strategy” [1,2] One form of this approach employs the use of a trap crop (pull) and a deterrent intercrop (push) to effectively prevent a pest from settling on the main crop [1]. This strategy has been used in some systems to target Lepidoptera pests and reduce larval feeding damage on the main crop. A similar push-pull approach was evaluated for Eldana saccharina Walker
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
