Techniques for artificial infestation of stem borer, Sesamia inferens (walker)for screening maize germplasm

Abstract

Field studies conducted by observing larvalrecovery of Sesamia inferens (walker) from plants releasedwith 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 larvae and egg mass (25 eggs)per plant by dissecting at periodic intervals revealed thatthe release of egg mass led to maximum larval recoveryfollowed by release of 20, 15, 10 and 5 larvae per plant.Therefore, the release of egg mass consisting of 25 eggsat black head stage into the bottom most leaf sheath whenthe plants are about 12-15 days old is the best for artificialinfestation of maize plants for screening against pink borer.However, if larvae are to be released, fifteen to twentylarvae are required per plant to get sufficient plant injuryfor screening across the germplasm for resistance