A SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT METHOD FOR IMPROVING PUPATION AND ECLOSION RATES OF STRIPED STEM BORER, CHILO SUPPRESSALIS WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA: CRAMBIDAE)

The striped stem borer chilo suppressalis ( Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an important generalist feeder on gramineous crops and is difficult to control. To develop sound IPM programs, efficient methods for improving pupation and eclosion rates are desirable. Novel pupation substrates based on plastic wraps and towels were developed. The pupation rate, pupal mortality rate and eclosion rate were calculated to evaluate the performance of pupal C. suppressalis under different pupation substrates (i.e., bibulous paper, corrugated paper, paper scroll). Larvae pupated on the new substrates (i.e., plastic wraps covered with towels) showed the best performance among the substrates. These results indicated that pupal C. suppressalis adapted well to the new substrates, and the substrates could serve as a viable alternative to traditional chartaceous substrates for pupation. In addition, the substrates are time-saving, recyclable, contamination-free, and can maintain a relatively suitable humidity. The successful technique of improving pupation and eclosion rates for C. suppres-salis supplies a very important tool for pest management.