Oviposition Preference of the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), towards Bt and Non-Bt Corn, and under Confined Conditions

Authors

• Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, University of the Philippines Los BanosFollow
• Jessica B. Baroga-Barbecho, Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), College, Laguna 4031 Philippines; UPLB Bee Program, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
• John David C. Cortez, Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
• Edwin A. Benigno, Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), College, Laguna 4031 Philippines; New Era University, College of Agriculture, Pinugay, Baras, Rizal, Philippines

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

Several experiments were conducted on the ovipositional preference and behavior of the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Confirmatory tests were conducted in table cages (1.5 m²) to determine if the results would align with those obtained from experiments on semi-field (285 m²) and mini-screen cage (90 m²) spatial scales. Preference for Bt and non-Bt corn was then observed under confined conditions. Table cage test results showed similar oviposition behavior to that observed in prior studies on larger test areas. There is no preference for either Bt or non-Bt corn plants. ACB adults could not differentiate Bt from non-Bt plants but preferred to lay eggs on healthy and taller corn plants. These findings suggest that the ACB, in the context of selecting between Bt and non-Bt hosts, does not support the Preference-Performance Hypothesis. Recorded differences in egg mass counts between Bt plants and their isolines could be an artefact of the layout of the Bt and refuge plants in the field. Such results provide important insights into refuge hybrid selection. In general, the refuge hybrid should be the same as the Bt hybrid provided that both hybrids have similar growth and maturity, are planted at the same time, and given the same irrigation, fertilization, and other agronomic inputs.

Recommended Citation

Caasi-Lit, Merdelyn T.; Baroga-Barbecho, Jessica B.; Cortez, John David C.; and Benigno, Edwin A. (2025) "Oviposition Preference of the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), towards Bt and Non-Bt Corn, and under Confined Conditions," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 5, Article 7.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss5/7