POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER, OSTRINIA NUBILALIS (HÜBNER)(LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE) ATTACKING POTATOES IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Abstract

AbstractThe population dynamics of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), were documented on potatoes grown in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) from 1990 to 1992. By comparing degree-day accumulations above 10°C, both first occurrence and peak flights of male adults occurred earlier than elsewhere in North America. Because potatoes in P.E.I. are attacked earlier and over a longer period of time than potatoes grown in other regions, the insect is an important pest of potatoes in P.E.I. The correlation between peak numbers of male adults caught in pheromone traps and egg masses on potato plants was not significant (p = 0.22). However, the correlation between egg masses per potato stalk and larvae per potato stalk was significant (p = 0.003). Trapping adults and monitoring potato plants for the presence of egg masses during the period from 250 to 500 degree-days appears to be a reliable way to determine the presence of adults and the potential impact of larvae on yield of potatoes.