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Implications of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis , infestation in an Aspergillus flavus ‐biocontrolled corn agroecosystem
Author(s) -
Mencarelli Mariangela,
Accinelli Cesare,
Vicari Alberto
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.3472
Subject(s) - ostrinia , european corn borer , aspergillus flavus , biology , infestation , aflatoxin , crop , agronomy , mycotoxin , crambidae , biological pest control , larva , toxicology , pyralidae , pest analysis , horticulture , microbiology and biotechnology , botany
Background A novel biocontrol strategy consisting of field application of bioplastic‐based granules inoculated with a non‐toxigenic Aspergillus flavus L. strain has recently been shown to be effective for reducing aflatoxin contamination in corn. This study focused on other factors that may affect the feasibility of this biocontrol technique, and more specifically the role of the European corn borer ( ECB ), Ostrinia nubilalis H., in the dispersal and infestation of A. flavus in corn and its impact on crop yield . Results In spite of the high percentage of corn ears showing larval feeding damage, ECB ‐bored kernels accounted for only 3 and 4% in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Most of the damaged kernels were localised in the ear tip or immediately below. More precisely, the average incidence of ECB ‐bored kernels in the upper end of the ear was 32%. However, less than 5% of kernels from the central body of the ear, which includes the majority of kernels, were injured by ECB . Conclusions Although ECB larvae showed a high tolerance to aflatoxin B1 and thus had the potential to serve as vectors of the mould, fungal infection of kernels was poorly associated with insect damage. ECB infestation resulted in grain yield losses not exceeding 2.5%. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry