Laboratory mass rearing of Asian corn borer and other lepidopteran pests of corn for core-funded and externally-funded projects from 2011-2016

Laboratory mass rearing of the five lepidopteran pests of cornnamely the Asia acorn borer (ACB Ostrini furnacalis), Corn earworn (CEW Helicoverpa armigera). Common cutworm ((CCW Spodoptera litura), Corn semi-looper (CSL Chrysodeixis eriosoma) and True armyworm TAW (MYthimna separata), was done from 2011-2016 with the principal focus on rearing ACB. Field collection of Laguna and Isabela ACB populations were conducted in several sites to cater test insects requirements of the different externally funded and core funded studies. In summary the IPB Entomology Laboratory was able to produce 786, 320 ACB, 1,640 ACB egg masses 363,825 CEW, 28,160 CCW, 27,830 CSL and 343,820 TAW. Several studies were conducted using the IPB modified artificial diet. Study 1 aims to determine the optimal temperature for rearing under laboratory conditions by subjecting CB rearing under different temperatures. Results showed that ACB performed better under normal room condition. In study 2, different techniques for infestation of Asian corn borer were evaluated. Results showed that infestation technique using corn stalk at 25 DAP was more efficient and infestation rate using 50 four-day old ACB larvae showed the most severe damage on the corn plants. Study 3, aims to lessen the cost of the rearing diet by substituting varying amounts of Baker's yeast and corn oil. The experiment showed promising result but this is yet to be confirmed. An on-going experiment is being conducted to compare this method to the existing standard artificial diet. Study 4 determines the effect of X solution in egg mass production of ACB adult female. Result showed that the addition of the X solution to the honey/sugar solution in the ACB adult diet greatly improved the production of viable eggs by female ACB adults. With the improvement or rearing facilities, rearing methodologies and acquisition of skills by laboratory personnel, the Entomology Laboratory has established itself as the national center for mass rearing of Asian corn bore and other lepidopterous pests of corn.