| Abstract: | Abstract Topically applied sublethal doses of eserine may interrupt chemical communication between the two sexes of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee), by affecting calling and sex pheromone titre released by the females. (1) Studies on the effects of sublethal eserine on the chemical communication system of O. furnacalis indicated that there was a decreasing probability of females calling and sex pheromone titre as the eserine dosage increased from 0.27 to 2 700 ng, with no effect on the periodicity. However, at 2 700 ng, the E/Z ratio of the sex pheromone components was affected. The sexual chemical communication system could not control within narrow level. (2) The recovery test of 27ng‐treated female indicated that the calling percentages of the 1st, 2nd and 4th day post‐treatment were 50%, 78% and 84% respectively. Sex pheromone titre was 40%, 40% and 80% of control female repectively. There was a trend toward recovery. The sexual chemical communication system could control within narrow level from the 2nd day post‐treatment. |
