Review of the biology and control of the Asian corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis(Lep: Pyralidae)

Abstract

Abstract The biology and control of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee, is reviewed. This insect is distributed from China to Australia and the Solomon Islands. In northern parts of its range the moths have one or a few generations per year, but in the tropics, generations are continuous and overlapping. The caterpillars can cause severe yield losses in corn, both by damage to the kernels and by feeding on the tassels, leaves, and stalks. Survival and growth of the caterpillar is highest on the reproductive parts of the plant. Other economic plants attacked include bell pepper, ginger and sorghum. Recently, the Asian corn borer appears to have become an important pest of cotton. A number of wild grasses are also used as hosts. Information on predators and parasites is summarized. Egg parasitoids are relatively effective in some tropical areas, but no significant larval or pupal parasites have been found. In temperate parts of the Asian corn borer's range, larval parasites are more abundant, ...