Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalisr

Ostrinia furnacalis, Asian corn borer moth is an important insect of maize, millet, mung bean, and many grasses. It is also known as Oriental Corn Borer or Asian Maize Borer.

This insect is geographically  distributed in Afghanistan, Burma, Cambodia, Ceylon, China, India, Indonesia, Jammu and Kashmir, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sikkim, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, USSR, Australasia  and Pacific islands, Australia, Caroline Islands, Marianas Islands, Papua and New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.

Russell IPM manufactures and supplies pheromone lure, traps and complete monitoring systems for Ostrinia furnacalis, Asian corn borer moth. Pheromone trap data give early warning of the infestation and also will alert the user to low level of infestation before it become serious.

Biology

The life cycle of the pest was 27-46 days with an average of 37.50 days. Eggs are laid by groups under the leaves. Egg period was 3-4 days. There are 5 larval instars, and the period of each instar was 3-7 days. Pupa stage period was 7-9 days, and moth period was 2-7 days. Natural enemies of the pest in South Sulawesi include the egg parasitoid Trichogramma evanescens and larval parasites belonging to Ichneumonidae, Braconidae and Tachinidae. Approximately 71.56-89.80% of the eggs were infected by parasitoids. The percentage of the larvae infected is 1-6%. Predators of the pest include Proreus, Euborellia spp., Lycosa spp., Chrysopa spp. and Orius tristicolor. (Nonci, N. 2004).

Nature of Damage

Small, dark coloured entry holes can be found on the stem or pods. An accumulation of frass around these holes is common. The stem and leaves above the entry holes are wilted. When feeding is completed, pupation occurs within the stem or mung bean pod. Depending on temperature, multiple generations may occur in one season. Maize is also a common host for this pest (AVRDC). Maize yield loss due to Ostrinia furnacalis, was approximately 20-80% (CABI).

Monitoring

Russell IPM manufactures and supplies pheromone lure – the Qlure, traps and complete monitoring systems for Ostrinia furnacalis, the Asian corn borer. 

Pheromone trap data gives early warning of the infestation and will also alert the user to a low level of population before it becomes serious.

The lure can be best applied with the Mothcatcher trap or Delta trap.