Characterization of Adult Emergence Pattern and Eclosion Behavior of the Asian Corn Borer, [Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)] (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), under Laboratory and Field Conditions in the Philippines

Authors

• Marcela M. Navasero, University of the Philippines Los BanosFollow
• Gelyn D. Sapin, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
• Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
• Wilson N. de Panis, Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
• Randolph N. Candano, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4031Follow
• Maricon dP Javier, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
• Jethro M. Navasero, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
• Meijei T. Bangangao, Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio, Baguio 2600, Philippines

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding the emergence pattern of Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee), in the Philippines vital in crafting integrated pest management schemes, including insect resistance management against pesticides and Bt protein. Although ACB adults are known to be nocturnal and primarily emerge at night, identifying critical windows of emergence for targeted management actions is essential. In the experiments conducted, the scotophase period is the preferred time for adult emergence under laboratory conditions with 248 adults (80.52%) and 60 adults (19.48%) in the photophase period. A similar trend was also observed under field cage conditions with ACB infestations done in 30 DAP and 40 DAP, 459 adults (76.12%) and 500 adults (96.34%) in the scotophase period, and 144 adults (23.88%) and 19 adults (3.66%) emerged in the photophase period, respectively. Adult emergence under laboratory conditions peaked in scotophase 5h (10 to 11 pm) while under field cage conditions it peaked in scotophase 3h (8 to 9 pm) for 30 DAP infestation and 2h (7 to 8 pm) for 40 DAP infestation. Field cage conditions with a more dynamic environment provided more synchronous emergence, as substantial activity occurred within a narrower window, scotophase 2h to 3h (7 to 9 pm). In contrast, the semi-controlled laboratory environment exhibited a broader window of substantial emergence, spanning scotophase 3h to 9h (8 to 3 am). The highest recorded adult emergence for each condition was observed in two adjacent time intervals, before and after these intervals showed minimal emergence or none at all. The findings in critical windows for adult emergence also offer practical applications in optimizing trap usage, especially for those with shorter operational lifespans, and for strategies either disrupting or promoting random mating among ACB. Results also provide insights into the possible correlation of a very dynamic environment brought about by climate change and the more synchronous emergence pattern in the natural environment as its possible effect. Synchronous emergence pattern in a defined time frame, in turn, has great implications in pest management, especially in managing resistant alleles of surviving ACB exposed to pesticides and Bt proteins. The study also identified the behavior and activities of emerging adults, critical for normal adult development and ecological functions, as deviation from these entails possible deformities or abnormalities in emerging adults.

Recommended Citation

Navasero, Marcela M.; Sapin, Gelyn D.; Caasi-Lit, Merdelyn T.; de Panis, Wilson N.; Candano, Randolph N.; Javier, Maricon dP; Navasero, Jethro M.; and Bangangao, Meijei T. (2025) "Characterization of Adult Emergence Pattern and Eclosion Behavior of the Asian Corn Borer, [Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)] (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), under Laboratory and Field Conditions in the Philippines," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 5, Article 8.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss5/8