Mandible shape variation in larvae of white stem borer Scirpophaga innotata Walker associated with different geographical locations and rice varieties

Issue Date

10-2012

Abstract

Rice stem borers are considered the most serious insect pests of rice in Asia. The white stem borer (Schipophaga innotata Walker) is the most prevalent among the different species found in the Philippines. This pest uses its strong mandibles to enter and feed inside the rice stem. Different rice varieties in the Philippines serve as plant host for this pest and infestation occurs in different geographical locations. Although there is no rice variety completely resistant to rice stem borer attack, even a small difference in the resistance level among rice varieties can be important in pest control. Also, observation on the damage caused by rice stem borer showed intraspecific variation among different geographical locations. Outline-based geometric morphometric analysis was used to test the hypothesis that the mandible shape of white stem borer differs with respect to different rice varieties fed on and geographical location. Principal component analysis showed variation in the shape of the mandibles.However, Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant variation (p<0.05) in the mandible shape only between populations of white stem borer taken from different rice varieties. Differences due to geographical location was disregarded as the source of mandible shape variation.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

26

Issue

2

Page

192

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

SCIRPOPHAGA; STEM EATING INSECTS; PLANT PESTS; INFESTATIONS; PHILIPPINES

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