Use of strips of Zea mays L. to trap European corn borer ( Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.) oviposition in maize fields

Abstract

The object of the investigation was to control egg laying by O. nubilalis in maize crops, by using trapping plant strips all around the field. Previously, strips planted with the same hybrid maize showed that they were of no effect and in fact were less infested. If the strips were planted with mixed hybrid maize such as in the field itself, there was the same concentration of infestation in them both. However, traps consisting of the susceptible maize hybrid ( Zea mays L.) laid in strips showed a high concentration of egg masses. Comparison of the different strip sides showed that diversity of infestation depended on the insect day shelters outside the maize field. These shelters may vary with the plant species cultivated in the neighbourhood, their harvest dates and abiotic conditions (not studied here): it is therefore necessary to grow the trapping strips all around the maize field. This method of protection limits egg-mass density and can be integrated in a planned pest control to increase effectiveness with regard to environment protection.