Association of host plant growth and weed occurrence with armyworm (Mythimna separata) damage in corn fields

Abstract

To clarify association between armyworm (Mythimna separata) damage level and the corn growth and weed occurrence, we investigated corn plant height, stem diameter and vigor as well as weed coverage and biomass. The investigations were conducted at three locations of Shaanxi Province which were suffered seriously from armyworm. Significant correlations were found between the parameters analyzed. At stunted corn growth and presence of plenty of weeds, the armyworm damage tended to be heavy; oppositely, when corn grew well and weed density were low, armyworm harm was the minimal. Therefore, corn growing status and weed density can significantly affect armyworm damage level. Our results imply that promoting corn growth and timely removal of weeds are conducive to reducing armyworm occurrence.

Volatile‐mediated tritrophic defense and priming in neighboring maize against Ostrinia furnacalis and Mythimna separata

“…33 The seasonal migratory armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is another major risk to maize production in Asia and Oceania, 34 and is listed as one of the top 10 pests species in China. 35 Although both pests cause damage to plants by chewing, the larvae of O. furnacalis feed on all the aerial parts (including leaves and stems) of the maize plant, 30 while M. separata larvae mostly feed on maize leaves. 21 O. furnacalis-and M. separata-induced defense responses in maize have been independently studied, 21,[36][37][38][39] but little is known about how maize responds to these individual stressors over time.…”

“…The Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a destructive pest of maize in Asia and Oceania 30–32 that causes an estimated 6–9 million tons of yield loss annually 33 . The seasonal migratory armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is another major risk to maize production in Asia and Oceania, 34 and is listed as one of the top 10 pests species in China 35 . Although both pests cause damage to plants by chewing, the larvae of O. furnacalis feed on all the aerial parts (including leaves and stems) of the maize plant, 30 while M. separata larvae mostly feed on maize leaves 21 .…”