Elasmopalpus Research Articles

Preharvest insect pests of peanuts and associated aflatoxin contaminants in Georgia, USA.

On-farm losses of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.,Fabales: Fabaceae) pose a persistent threat to the sustainable production and value of peanuts in the United States. This study presents empirical data on the spatial distribution of subterranean insect pests and various quality aspects of peanuts. Surveys were conducted in 20 randomly selected peanut fields in 10 counties in Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest Georgia. The primary insect pests found in Georgia's peanut production counties were Pangaeus bilineatus (Say), Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), and Diabrotica undecimpunctata Howardi. In the northeast counties, a high prevalence of P. bilineatus led to a significant increase in insect-damaged pods (%IDP), insect-damaged kernels (%IDK), discolored kernels (%DK), pod weight loss (%PWL), and kernel weight loss (%KWL). Similarly, southeast counties had a high %DK, cracked pods (%CP), and E. lignosellus infestation. In southwest counties, predominantly high D. undecimpunctata infestations resulted in the highest %IDP. Moisture content (%MC) was excessively high in all the counties (22.19%-23.17%). Preharvest aflatoxin contamination in peanuts was prevalent across all studied locations, particularly in counties with a high incidence of P. bilineatus and may cause increased risk in aflatoxin levels along the supply chain. Nevertheless, the diverse regional abundance of insect pests and the widespread presence of aflatoxins in Georgia's peanut fields offer valuable insights for developing integrated pest management strategies targeting subterranean insect pests. This is especially crucial in addressing the impact of P. bilineatus, E. lignosellus, and D. undecimpunctata on aflatoxins content of peanuts and determining the pathway for mitigation of aflatoxin contaminations in peanuts at harvest.

Flight Phenology of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the Northwest Florida Panhandle

Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the lesser cornstalk borer (LCSB), is an economically important peanut pest in the southeastern U.S. region, and its occurrence and abundance have been associated with warm and dry conditions. In the Northwestern Florida Panhandle (USA), the LCSB occurrence and abundance are unknown. Thus, a study in this region used commercial sex pheromones to capture male moths year-round from July/2017 to June/2021. Our results indicated that the LCSBs were present in the region from April to December, with higher abundance in August. Moths were also caught from January to March in only 2020. In addition, the number of moths collected increased when the temperature increased. Our results indicate a different pattern for LCSB abundance than previously documented, with peak occurrence in warm and wet conditions (August). These results support that region-specific weather information should be considered when designing IPM recommendations based on the phenology of pest occurrence in the agroecosystem.

Pest categorisation of Elasmopalpus lignosellus.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to conduct a pest categorisation of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Leipidoptera: Pyralidae) for the territory of the EU following interceptions of the organism within the EU and its addition to the EPPO Alert List. E. lignosellus feeds on over 70 species; hosts include cereals, especially maize, legumes, brassicas and a range of grasses. Seedlings of ornamental and forest trees can also be hosts. E. lignosellus is established in tropical and subtropical areas of North, Central and South America. Eggs are usually laid in the soil or on the lower stem of hosts. Larvae develop in the soil and feed on roots and stems causing stunting and yield losses. Plants for planting, rooted with growing media, or with stems cut close to the soil, and fresh vegetables harvested with stems, such as asparagus and cabbage, provide pathways for entry. Population development is favoured by dry and hot conditions (27–33°C). Adults fly and can be carried in air currents. Adults are recorded from temperate areas within the Americas contributing some uncertainty regarding the limits of its establishment potential in the EU. Although cultivated and wild hosts are distributed across the EU, impacts are likely to be confined to production areas on sandy soils around the coastal Mediterranean during hot dry years. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the entry of E. lignosellus. E. lignosellus satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Sugarcane Green Harvest Effects on Arthropod Ground Predators and Lesser Cornstalk Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Damage

AbstractA field trial was conducted to determine the effects of harvest method (green cane harvest versus preharvest burning) and different crop residue removal treatments on the populations of ground-inhabiting arthropod predators and Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the first ratoon crop. Neither preharvest burning nor percentage crop residue removal after green cane harvest had any significant effect on the numbers of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) (F = 1.00; df = 4; P = 0.412) or spiders (Araneae) (F = 0.08; df = 4; P = 0.921) captured in pitfall traps. In contrast, crop residue levels remaining after green cane harvest significantly impacted E. lignosellus damage to the ratoon crop, with increased damage associated with lower levels of residue. Removal of ≥66% of the crop residue caused a significant (F = 132.68; df = 3; P < 0.001) increase in E. lignosellus damage that would likely reduce sugarcane yield, while 33% of the residue could be removed without increasing damage. Overall, our data indicate that green cane harvesting will not affect arthropod ground predators but may reduce the risk of E. lignosellus damage.

Path Analysis between Pest Occurrence and Nutritional Status of Soybean under Phosphate Fertilization.

The phytophagous insects select their host plants according to plant tissue nutritional quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to correlate the direct and indirect effects of phosphate fertilization on the nutritional status of the soybean crop and its relationship with the occurrence of insect pests. The effect of phosphate fertilization on soybean was evaluated using two phosphate sources, Single Superphosphate (SSP) and Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), applied at five rates of P2O5. A sampling of insects initiated from stage V5 and was done weekly. Leaves were collected for nutrient analysis stage R1, in stage R9 was harvest was carried out. SSP or MAP phosphate fertilization in soybean affected the incidence of Chrysodeixis includens, Helicoverpa armigera, Elasmopalpus lignosellus and Euschistus heros. The plants treated with MAP had the infestation reduced compared with plants treated with SSP. Higher contents of Cu and Fe in the leaf reduces the incidence of insect-pests, whereas the opposite occurred with Mn. The occurrence of E. lignosellus reduced soybean yield. Therefore, the source and rates of phosphorus in soybean fertilization change the concentration of macro and micronutrients in the leaves and affect the behavior and incidence of pest species.

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF Elasmopalpus lignosellus PUPAE TO ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES IN MAIZE

Virulence and concentration of entomopathogenic nematodes (NEPs)in Elasmopalpus lignosellus pupae were evaluated. In the laboratory, the virulence of the isolates Heterorhabditis amazonensis MC01, H. amazonensis JPM3, H. amazonensis GL, Steinernema carpocapsae All and Heterorhabditis sp. Nepet 11 was evaluated and, subsequently, H. amazonensis GL was applied at concentrations of 8; 16; 24 and 32 IJ cm-2. The EPNs were applied to Petri dishes containing ten pupae with five replications. Mortality was assessed every 24 hours for three days. In a greenhouse, H. amazonensis GL was tested at concentrations 24, 25, 26 and 27 IJ cm-2. The IJs were applied in pots containing a 20-cm high ‘BM 3061’ maize plant, besides six pupae with four replications. Knowing that the efficiency of EPNss is directly related to the ability to search and penetrate the host, it was found that H. amazonensis GL is highly virulent to E. lignosellus, presenting an LC50 of 6.49 IJ cm-2 after 48 hours, 5.61 IJ cm-2 in 72 hours and LC90 of 39.70 IJ cm-2 in 48 and 27.73 IJ cm-2 in 72 hours under laboratory conditions. In the soil, pupal mortality was lower and a concentration of 25 IJ cm-2 was responsible for the death of 50% of the population, since environmental variability influences the dynamics of IJ infection and insect defense.

Potential of transgenic Bt-maize for management of Elasmopalpus lignosellus

The Lepidoptera insects are responsible for large losses in maize production in Brazil, and stand out those that attack seedlings, such as lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller). The objective of this work was to compare the performance of transgenic Bt maize in the control of the E. lignosellus caterpillar in the maize seedlings phase in two trials. In the first trial six treatments were tested: (1) Conventional Non-Bt maize; (2) Conventional Non-Bt maize with insecticide application; (3) transgenic maize expressing the Cry1Ab genes; (4) Cry1F; (5) Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2; (6) Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Cry1F. The experimental design was randomized blocks, where each treatment was repeated 4 times in plots of 22.5 m2. Ten consecutive plants with third instar larvae of E. lignosellus in the seedling stage were artificially infested. Only the Non-Bt maize (Control) was affected by the E. lignosellus caterpillar, but all the treatments presented tillering, galleries and holes in the stem. In the second assay the genotypes used were seeded on 11/23/2012, and the damages of 3rd instar caterpillars of E. ligosellus (Zeller) were evaluated. The treatments were: (1) Conventional Non-Bt maize (Control); (2) transgenic maize expressing the Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 genes; (3) Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2; (4) Vip3Aa20; (5) Vip3Aa20 + Cry1Ab; (6) Cry1F; (7) Cry1Ab + Cry1F. The plots were formed by a line spaced in 0.7 m of 2 m, with 10 plants, with barriers to prevent the exit of artificially infested insects. In the first and second assays, non-Bt maize with or without insecticide application were affected by E. lignosellus caterpillars. However, Bt transgenic maize was not harmed by E. lignosellus caterpillars, except the Vip3Aa20 treatment. Bt transgenic plants were poorly damaged by E. lignosellus in the seedling and leaf stage.

Insect Management for Sweet Corn

Foliar, ear and root feeding insects can routinely cause economic losses to sweet corn if left untreated. The most important pests of sweet corn in Florida are the fall armyworm, corn earworm, lesser cornstalk borer, cutworms, corn silk fly, cucumber beetles, aphids, and wireworms. Less common pests of sweet corn include grasshoppers, corn blotch leafminer, twospotted spider mites, sap beetles, stink bugs, maize weevils and billbugs, white grubs, and white fringed beetles. This document is ENY-472 (which replaces ENY-449), one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 2001. Revised September 2005. 
 ENY-472/IG158: Insect Management for Sweet Corn (ufl.edu)

Assessing the Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Pyramided Proteins Cry1F, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, and Vip3Aa20 Expressed in Bt Maize Against Lepidopteran Pests in Brazil.

Field studies across four states in maize-producing areas of Brazil were conducted to characterize the efficacy of a new pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner technology in maize, Zea mays L., and compare it to existing single and pyramided commercial Bt technologies, to control Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Bt maize expressing Vip3Aa20 protein and pyramided Bt maize expressing proteins Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Vip3Aa20 provided excellent protection against kernel feeding by H. zea compared to Bt technologies expressing only Cry1F or Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2. Bt maize expressing Cry1F, Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2, Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2, and Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Vip3Aa20 resulted in less than 5% of plants injured by E. lignosellus, significantly less than Bt maize expressing only Vip3Aa20 and a non-Bt maize iso-hybrid with and without a thiamethoxam seed treatment. The highest protection against plant cutting injury caused by A. ipsilon was observed in the pyramid Bt maize technology expressing Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Vip3Aa20. However, it did not differ statistically from the Bt maize expressing Vip3Aa20, Cry1F, or Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2. All Bt maize hybrids evaluated in our study were highly effective in reducing tunneling injury caused by D. saccharalis. These results show that a new maize technology expressing pyramided Bt proteins Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Vip3Aa20 offers a higher level of protection from feeding by the above lepidopteran pest complex compared to maize with a single Bt protein or double pyramided Bt proteins.

<b>Isolation and characterization of <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> strains active against <i>Elasmopalpus lignosellus</i> (Zeller, 1848) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae)

Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller, 1848) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) is an insect pest of 60 economically important crops, including sugarcane, wheat, soybean, rice, beans, sorghum, peanuts, and cotton. The aim of this work was to select and characterize Bacillus thuringiensis isolates with insecticidal activity against E. Lignosellus that could be used as an alternative method of control. Selective bioassays were done to evaluate the toxicity of 47 isolates against first instar larvae of E. lignosellus. For the most toxic bacterial strains, the lethal concentration (LC 50 ) was estimated and morphological, biochemical and molecular methods were used to characterize the isolates. Among the 47 isolates tested, 12 caused mortality above 85% and showed LC 50 values from 0.038E+8 to 0.855E+8 spores mL -1 . Isolates BR83, BR145, BR09, BR78, S1534, and S1302 had the lowest LC 50 values and did not differ from the standard HD-1 strain; the exception was BR83.The protein profiles produced bands with molecular masses of 60-130 kDa. The genes cry1, cry2, cry3, and cry11 were identified in the molecular characterization. The morphological analysis identified three different crystal inclusions: bipyramidal, spherical and cuboidal. Among the tested isolates, 12 isolates have potential for biotechnological control of E. Lignosellus by development of new biopesticides or genetically modified plants.

Evaluación de Extractos Vegetales y Bioinsecticidas Sobre Poblaciones de Spodoptera frugiperda y Elasmopalpus lignosellus en Maíz

The research was carried out on the Property “El Cartan” that is located in Km 4 way at Puebloviejo-Ventanas, county of Los Ríos. A test was conducted on the hybrid corn DK-1040. This test measures the response of the larvae of insects Spodoptera frugiperda and Elasmopalpus lignosellus to the application of dose of biological and organic insecticides. Also, the most appropriate dose in products was determined with an economic analysis. The experimental design used was random complete blocks with seven treatments and three replicates. The variables evaluated are: percentage of larvae control, number of larvae per plant, corn damage, and yield for hectare. The evaluated variables were subjected to the analysis of variance, and Tukey test was applied to 95 % probability. The analyzed results were determined to apply Neem (Azadirachtina indica) in dose of 1,0 L ha -1 . It diminishes the populations of S. frugiperda and E. lignosellus in relationship to the other active matters applied in the test. Higher doses lead to migration of pests to nearby hosts. The highest yield per hectare was found in the Neem 1.0 L ha-1 treatment with 8,940 kg ha-1.

Age Influence on Sexual Behavior of the Lesser Cornstalk Borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The objective of this work was to evaluate the reproductive behavior and response of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) males to calling females. Frequency of mating was recorded in couples during the first 7days of the adult stage. Calling behavior of females was observed during the first 4days of the adult stage and responses of males, in the same age intervals, to calling females were recorded in wind tunnel bioassays. The maximum number of matings occurred when the couple was between 24 and 48h old. The scotophase period significantly influenced mating behavior, which peaked between 6 and 8h of darkness and the mean mating duration was 93.9±4.2min. Calling females, when evaluated in a wind tunnel, attracted significantly more males than in bioassays with clean air (control). The number of individuals in calling behavior was significantly lower for females that were between 0 to 24h old compared to the other females evaluated, but this did not influence male response. A lower proportion of males between 48 to 72h old responded to calling females and these responses were delayed in comparison with males of other ages (0 to 24, 24 to 48, and 72 to 96h old). These results indicate that the age of E. lignosellus males influences the response to conspecific calling females.

Field evaluation of soybean transgenic event DAS-81419-2 expressing Cry1F and Cry1Ac proteins for the control of secondary lepidopteran pests in Brazil

Genetically modified soybean with transgenic event DAS-81419-2 (Conkesta™ technology), expresses two Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) derived proteins, Cry1Ac and Cry1F. Event DAS-81419-2 is a proposed new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tool with demonstrated high efficacy for controlling the primary lepidopteran pests affecting soybean production in South America. Studies were conducted in Brazil from 2011 to 2016 to assess the efficacy of DAS-81419-2 against secondary lepidopteran pests including Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Agrotis ipsilon and Helicoverpa armigera, using artificial infestations to ensure uniform pest pressure. Results from research trials across nine localities showed that compared to a non-Bt isoline, DAS-81419-2 significantly reduced the seedling stage plant mortality caused by E. lignosellus and the feeding damage caused by H. armigera during both vegetative and reproductive crop growth stages. Event DAS-81419-2 showed moderate activity on A. ipsilon, and additional control tactics such as a chemical insecticide applied as a seed treatment or spray during early crop stages may be needed against this pest to provide consistently higher levels of protection in fields that are at risk of infestation. Collectively, the efficacy of soybean transgenic event DAS-81419-2 for the control of secondary lepidopteran pests, added to its high efficacy on primary lepidopteran pests suggest this new, dual protein technology will be an important tool where primary and secondary pests affect soybean production.

Uso de trampas con feromona en el muestreo del pequeño barrenador del frijol, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (ZELLER) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Pheromone traps were used to monitor adult populations of the lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) near Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Pherocon 1C traps baited with 10 micrograms of lesser cornstalk borer pheromone in rubber septa were mast effective when placed at 0.5 m high above the ground. Traps setting in the field, along the border of the field, within the row, or across rows produced comparable captures of adult males. Pie plate sticky traps were more effective than pherocon 1C traps at 0.5 m. These two types of traps captured similar quantities of males at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m heights. The feasibility of using these traps for monitoring' lesser cornstalk borer adults along the bean growing season is discussed.

Impacts of Crop Residue on Damage by Sugarcane Pests During the Tillering Phase in Argentina

One of the most important recent changes in sugarcane cultural practices in Tucuman, Argentina, is the adoption of the practice of green-cane harvesting, which involves harvesting the sugarcane crop in the absence of burning. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the postharvest crop residue (also sometimes known as “trash blanket”) on Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Pseudaletia uni puncta Haworth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) population dynamics in sugarcane. The study was conducted in ratoon crops for 3 growing seasons (2011, 2012, and 2013) and at 3 locations in the state of Tucuman, Argentina. The treatments consisted of rows with the crop residue burned and the crop residue retained. Removal of the crop residue by burning, compared with retention, resulted in significantly greater crop damage by E. lignosellus in all locations and years. In contrast, damage by P. unipuncta was observed exclusively on plots where crop residue was retained. Comparing the pest status of 2 insects, E. lignosellus seems to be more consistently deleterious to sugarcane yield than P. unipuncta, and chemical control of this species is not very effective. Therefore, leaving the crop residue in place seems to be the most appropriate crop management approach, although it is important also to monitor P. unipuncta populations in order to implement control should it be necessary.

Temperature-Dependent Reproductive and Life Table Parameters ofElasmopalpus lignosellus(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Sugarcane

The lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important pest of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) in southern Florida. Reproductive and life table parameters for E. lignosellus were examined at nine constant temperatures from 13 to 36 °C with sugarcane as the larval food source. The pre- and post-oviposition periods decreased with increasing temperatures and reached their minimums at 33 and 36 °C, respectively. The oviposition period was longest at 27 °C. The mean fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were greatest at 30 °C and decreased with increasing or decreasing temperature. The net reproductive rate (R0) was greatest at 27 °C. The Brière-1 model best described the relationship between temperature and r. The generation (T) and population doubling times (DT) were shortest at 33 and 30 °C, respectively. The temperatures around 27 to 30 °C are most favorable for E. lignosellus population growth and significant damage can be expected under these climatic conditions. This data in combination with population monitoring of E. lignosellus under field conditions can be effectively used in population predictions of this pest in field and severe damage can be prevented by timely implementation of control measures.

Entomologic and Agronomic Evaluations of 18 Sweet Sorghum Cultivars for Biofuel in Florida

ABSTRACT Sweet sorghum [(Sorghum bicolor L. Moench); Cyperales: Poaceae] is a summer annual crop suitable for use as a biofuel feedstock. The juice from harvested sweet sorghum stalks can be readily converted into ethanol. The purpose of this study was to identify potential arthropod pests of promising sweet sorghum cultivars grown for biofuel on Histosols (muck soil) in southern Florida. This field study was conducted at the Everglades Research and Education Center at Belle Glade, Florida in 2010. Eighteen sweet sorghum cultivars planted at 3 dates were evaluated for insect feeding. Foliar damage was measured during the whorl stage and boring within stalks was measured at harvest. Seedling damage caused by Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reduced the stand of most of the cultivars tested. Foliar feeding by Spodoptera frugiperda L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae was significantly affected by cultivar and plantin...

Effect of Planting Date and Density on Insect Pests of Sweet Sorghum Grown for Biofuel in Southern Florida

There is much research and resource currently being invested in sweet sorghum, Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, for biofuel in southern Florida. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of planting date and density on insect pests of the crop in southern Florida. Emergent damage was primarily caused by fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), and to a lesser extent by the lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller. Damage at heading was caused by different species of stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Both emergent damage and numbers of stink bugs at heading varied significantly between planting dates. Correlation analysis showed that planting density had no to little effect on percentage damage by insects to emerging or heading sweet sorghum. Estimated ethanol yield was highest in the first crop of the early planting and decreased thereafter. No consistent effect of planting density or row configuration on yield was shown.

Evaluation of Corn Hybrids Expressing Cry1F, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1, and Cry3Bb1 Against Southern United States Insect Pests

Studies were conducted across the southern United States to characterize the efficacy of multiple Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) events in a field corn, Zea mays L., hybrid for control of common lepidopteran and coleopteran pests. Cry1F protein in event TC1507 and Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 proteins in event MON 89034 were evaluated against pests infesting corn on above-ground plant tissue including foliage, stalks, and ears. Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 proteins in event DAS-59122-7 and Cry3Bb1 in event MON 88017 were evaluated against the larvae of Mexican corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera zeae Krysan and Smith, which occur below-ground. Field corn hybrids containing Cry1F, Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2, Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1, and Cry3Bb1 insecticidal proteins (SmartStax) consistently demonstrated reductions in plant injury and/or reduced larval survivorship as compared with a non-Bt field corn hybrid. Efficacy provided by a field corn hybrid with multiple Bt proteins was statistically equal to or significantly better than corn hybrids containing a single event active against target pests. Single event field corn hybrids provided very high levels of control of southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella (Dyar), lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), and were not significantly different than field corn hybrids with multiple events. Significant increases in efficacy were observed for a field corn hybrid with multiple Bt events for sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and Mexican corn rootworm. Utilization of field corn hybrids containing multiple Bt events provides a means for managing insect resistance to Bt proteins and reduces non-Bt corn refuge requirements.

Article Retraction

The paper, ‘Life Table Studies of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Sugarcane,’ by Hardev S. Sandhu, Gregg S. Nuessly, Susan E. Webb, Ronald H. Cherry, and Robert A. Gilbert, Environmental Entomology (2010) 39(6): 2025–2032, is withdrawn at the request of the authors due to numerous errors that cannot readily be corrected by publishing an erratum. I acknowledge the valuable input of Prof. Hsin Chi, Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, in raising significant questions about the published paper. — E. Alan Cameron, Editor-in-Chief