Adult Dispersal of Field-Released Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in Northern and Southern Philippines

Authors

• Mario V. Navasero, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)Follow
• Randolph N. Candano, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
• Gelyn D. Sapin, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, UPLB
• Wilson N. de Panis, Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

The effectiveness of Bt corn in controlling the Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée, is well recognized. However, concerns persist regarding the potential development of resistance to Bt toxins by this pest. This resistance could arise from surviving ACB individuals carrying homozygous resistance alleles, potentially leading to resistant offspring if mating between resistant individuals is not prevented or minimized. To address this issue, various studies have investigated the factors that limit or facilitate resistance development. These factors include adult dispersal and mating behavior in the field, as well as ecological conditions such as weather and landscape features. However, there is a lack of local information on these factors specifically related to ACB in the Philippines. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study was conducted in Banga, South Cotabato, and Cauayan City, Isabela. The study employed a markrelease- recapture method using oil-soluble dye markers incorporated into the larval diet, with expression in larvae, adults, and egg masses. The study observed a tendency for released adult ACB to converge in weedy areas, although some recaptured adults were those near the release points. In Banga, 64.23% of recaptured adult ACB were found in weedy areas, while in Cauayan City, the figure was 88.89%, indicating a non-random dispersal pattern among adult ACB. The furthest distances travelled by marked ACB were 312 m and 303 m from the release point in Banga, South Cotabato, and Cauayan City, Isabela, respectively, both female and both in weedy areas. Additionally, a significant portion of released adults were not recaptured, suggesting that low temperature and high relative humidity seemingly promote longer flight range. Regarding mating behavior, more mated females were found in weedy areas compared to designated sampling points in corn fields. Oviposition site preference was also noted; no egg mass was observed in Cauayan City, Isabela, while in Banga, South Cotabato, egg masses were observed only in corn fields, indicating oviposition preference by ACB. Of the 24 egg masses found, 16.70% showed traces of the dye. These findings provide essential information for developing an Insect Resistance Management Protocol for ACB against Bt toxins, emphasizing the importance of understanding adult dispersal, mating behavior, and oviposition preferences in designing effective pest management strategies.

Recommended Citation

Navasero, Mario V.; Candano, Randolph N.; Sapin, Gelyn D.; and de Panis, Wilson N. (2025) "Adult Dispersal of Field-Released Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in Northern and Southern Philippines," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 5, Article 10.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss5/10