Chemical basis for repellency of Sargassum cinctum J. Agardh (Sargaceae) against asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae)

Abstract

© 2017, International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences. All rights reserved. Anecdotal claims reveal that Sargassum seaweed has long been used by farmers to reduce insect pest populations in cacao and various vegetables. A study was conducted at the National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños from 2015-2017 to validate farmer knowledge on reduced Asian corn borer populations when brown seaweed, Sargassum cinctum is placed in plot borders. Prominent volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) emitted by seaweed under sunlight and room conditions were identified by GCMS and differences in emission patterns were observed. In general, the fresh seaweed extract showed a higher percent repellency as compared to the dried seaweed extract. We identified for the first time the nature of the compounds emitted by S. cinctum and repelling the Asian corn borer. Some VOCs presented in combination did not produced synergistic effect. The number of eggmasses and number of eggs laid by female moths was reduced when brown seaweed was applied on corn under field cage conditions. Sargassum seaweed can be used together with other effective IPM strategies, especially in coastal areas, to reduce corn borer population. Brown seaweed can be an effective pest management strategy tool for low input and/or organic green corn production.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences

ISSN

8593132

Page

103-113

Document Type

Article

Subject

Allomone, Insect behavior, Pest management, Semiochemicals

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