Chilo

Abstract: Since the appearance of the stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on the African continent in 1932, it has continuously expanded its distribution in the warm, low-altitude regions of eastern and southern Africa. The current study revealed that C. partellus is expanding its distribution into the high elevations of the eastern Highveld region of South Africa. The only stem borer already found there (elevation 1,600 m) is Busseola fusca (Fuller). After C. partellus invaded the region, it rapidly increased its share of the total borer population every year. On maize, it reached 32% of the total borer population within 6 yr and on grain sorghum 59% within 7 yr. The most rapid population increase by C. partellus occurred on the ratoon grain sorghum crop. Within 2 yr it became the predominant borer, constituting ≈90% of the total stem borer population. C. partellus has proven to be an efficient colonizer, and it seems to be displacing the indigenous B. fusca. C. partellus survives the dry winters (at subzero temperatures) of the Highveld region in South Africa by diapausing low in the dry stalks, often beneath the soil. Hibernating larval populations of C. partellus terminate diapause and emerge as moths ≈1 mo earlier than B. fusca . This enables C. partellus to infest the grain sorghum ratoon crop before B. fusca , thus becoming the predominant borer in this niche. The life cycle of C. partellus is 3 wk shorter than that of B. fusca , which gives it a further competitive advantage because of its higher potential rate of increase.

Abstract: A method for steady production of Chilo partellus has been established. An efficient simple and easy method of collection of first instar larvae from incubation chambers has been developed. It has been established that pupae of Chilo partellus can be held at a chilling temperature between 5 and 15°C without any adverse effect on the emergence of adults. This finding has been used in synchronizing the emergence of males and females for mating or longer storage of the pupae.

Abstract: Ten Napier grass [Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (Poaceae)] varieties, used in various parts of Kenya as animal fodder, were tested for their potential role as a trap crop in the management of the gramineous spotted stemborer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), through habitat manipulation. Oviposition preference and larval survival and development were determined for each of these varieties under laboratory and screen-house conditions. Two-choice tests revealed that seven of the varieties tested were preferentially chosen by gravid female moths for oviposition over a susceptible maize cv. Inbred A. Larval survival was significantly lower on the majority of the Napier grass varieties (about 10%) than on maize cv. Inbred A (about 60%). Similarly, larval development was about 2 weeks longer on the majority of the Napier grass varieties. It was concluded that four of the varieties tested (Bana, Ex-Machakos, Gold Coast, and Ex-Nyanza-2) had potential for use as trap crops in C. partellus management because they were more preferred by the borer moths for oviposition and allowed minimal survival of the larvae. This minimal larval survival is desirable in the conservation of C. partellus natural enemies when the cultivated host plant is out of season.

Abstract: FemaleCotesia flavipes Cameron andCotesia sesamiae (Cameron) were attracted to odors in a Y-tube olfactometer from uninfested maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)], and napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). In dual choice tests,Cotesia flavipes showed a preference for maize over sorghum, while maize and napier grass were equally attractive. In contrast,Cotesia sesamiae preferred volatiles from sorghum and napier grass over those from maize. The two parasitoids were significantly more attracted to maize infested with the stemborers,Chilo partellus (Swinhoe),Chilo orichalcociliellus Strand,Sesamia calamistis Hampson, andBusseola fusca (Fuller), than uninfested maize. In dual choice tests,Cotesia flavipes andCotesia sesamiae were unable to discriminate between odors from plants infested by the different species of stemborers.