PATHOGENICITY OF VAIRIMORPHA NECATRIX (MICROSPORIDIA: NOSEMATIDAE) AGAINST OSTRINIA NUBILALIS (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)

Abstract
Vairimorpha necatrix (Kramer) readily infects and kills the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), in the laboratory. The corn borer is either killed in the larval stage within a few days after infection by disruption of the midgut and septicemia or in the pupal stage by microsporidiosis. Insects that are not killed by V. necatrix have a reduced potential for pupation, emergence, and reproduction.