Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2013) 149, 256-264

Carmen López, Gerardo Hernández-Escareño, Matilde Eizaguirre and Ramon Albajes (2013)
Antixenosis and larval and adult dispersal in the Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioides, in relation to Bt maize
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 149 (3), 256-264
Abstract: Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key pest of maize [Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] and a main target of Bt maize in the Mediterranean area. To choose the most suitable non-Bt refuge strategy for preventing or delaying resistance development in this maize borer, we examined its biology and behaviour. No antixenotic effects were found on numbers of eggs and egg batches per plant in choice (Bt vs. non-Bt plants) and no-choice assays. However, a greater ratio of young larvae dispersed from Bt than from non-Bt plants. In addition, larvae that hatched on Bt plants tended to disperse more than those that hatched on non-Bt plants, particularly during young growth stages. Many adults, especially females, could fly at least up to 400 m, as was found in a dispersal study with rubidium-marked adults. The stimulation of larval dispersal by the Bt trait and the dispersal capacity of adults might compromise the efficacy of seed mixtures as an insecticide resistance management strategy.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Ramon Albajes

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sesamia nonagrioides	Maize/corn (Zea mays)
Bacillus thuringiensis genes in crops (entomopathogen)	Sesamia nonagrioides	Maize/corn (Zea mays)