Suitability of maize varieties for the oviposition and development ofPlodia interpunctella(Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

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Abstract
Thirteen maize varieties were investigated for suitability for oviposition and development of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner). The hybrid varieties (8329–15, 8321–18, 8425–8 and 8326–18W) were highly preferred for oviposition and had between 108.4 and 140.3 eggs deposited on them while the local variety and TZPBSR had very few eggs (41.3–46.9) deposited on them. The local variety was a more acceptable substrate than glass for egg deposition. Development from egg hatch to adult on the whole kernels of the varieties was fastest (31.2 days) on TZSR‐W‐1 and slowest (37.0 days) on 8321–18. Rearing the moths on broken kernels of the maize varieties generally shortened their developmental period. The maize varieties 8329–15 and 8326–18W were poor diets for the development of the moths as the moths did not develop on whole kernels of these varieties, and had prolonged developmental period on broken kernels of these varieties. These varieties and the local variety were therefore considered not suitable for the development of the moth. The maize varieties MSC Opaque, Farz 23, DMR‐YE, TZSR‐W‐1 and TZPB‐SR were very suitable for the development of the moth and they suffered more damage to the infestation by the moth.

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