Chemical stimuli from corn plants affect host selection and oviposition behavior of Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The role of chemical stimuli in host selection and oviposition of Sesamia nonagrioides (Lef) was studied in the laboratory using eight corn hybrids. Female oviposition preference was evaluated on plants of the eight hybrids, their extracts in pentane and methanol, and volatiles collected by steam distillation in ether. Results from two-choice bioassays indicate various degrees of female preference to the hybrids. Four hybrids received more eggs than control plants, whereas the remainder received fewer eggs. Relatively similar results were obtained when filter paper sticks baited with pentane and steam distillation extracts were evaluated. Methanol extracts from all eight hybrids received fewer eggs than the methanol controls. Results showed that pentane and steam distillation extracts contain chemicals that elicit female oviposition response, while methanol extracts may contain chemicals that deter or repel females to oviposition.