Chilo tumidicostalis

THESIS
ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SUGARCANE
MOTH BORER, Chilo tumidicostalis (HAMPSON)
(LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE) AND ITS
NATURAL ENEMIES
SIRIWAN TUNKHUMTONG
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science (Agriculture)
Graduate School, Kasetsart University
2003
ISBN 974-359-850-2

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Thanks and appreciation are due to the thesis committee, especially to
Associate Professor Kosol Charernsom and Assistant Professor Dr. Isara Sooksathan
for their valuable advice, guidance and encouragement throughout this study.
Sincere appreciation and gratitude are expressed to the National Biological
Control Research Center (NBCRC), Central Regional Center (CRC), Kasetsart
University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand for providing
facilities and other assistances that make possible the successful completion of this
investigation.
Sincere thanks are also expressed to my family and my friends for their
continuous support and encouragement.
Finally, appreciation is also extended to all of my colleagues who extended
assistance in terms of valuable suggestions, assistance and criticism.
Siriwan Tunkhumtong
October, 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………….. i
LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………............ ii
LIST OF FIGURES...……………………………………………………………… iii
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………. 1
LITERATURE REVIEWS………………………………………………………… 2
MATERIALS AND METHODS………………………………………………….. 7
Stock culture of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)………………………… 7
Biological studies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)…………………… 7
Survey of the natural enemies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)………... 10
Biological studies of important parasites of Chilo tumidicostalis(Hampson).11
Population study of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) and its
natural enemies…………………………………………………………….....11
Assessment potential of natural enemies of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson)…………………………………………………………………... 12
RESULTS……………………………………………………………………………14
Biological studies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)…………………….. 14
Survey of the natural enemies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)……….. 39
Biological studies of important parasite of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson).39
Population study of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) and its
Page
i

natural enemies……………………………………………………………… 61
Assessment potential of natural enemies of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson)…………………………………………………………………. 64
DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………….... 66
CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………….. 68
LITERATURE CITED……………………………………………………………... 70
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 Width of head capsule of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
in successive five instars……………………………………………………17
2 Width of head capsule of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
in successive six instars……………………………………………………..18
3 Width of head capsule of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
in successive seven instars………………………………………………… 19
4 Body measurements of various stages of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson)…………………………………………………………………. 27
5 Duration of various developmental stages of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson) with five larval instars………………………………………….29
6 Duration of various developmental stages of Chilo tumidicostalis
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(Hampson) with six larval instars…………………………………………..30
7 Duration of various developmental stages of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson) with seven larval instars………………………………………..31
8 Biological life table, age-specific fecundity rate and net
reproductive rate (R 0) of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)……………........33
9 Parameters calculated for biological attributes of
Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)……………………………………………34
10 Partial ecological life table of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)…………... 37
11 Duration period of various developmental stages of
Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)……………………………………………… 48
12 Duration period of various developmental stages of
Tetrastichus sp…………………………………………………………….. 58
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 Stock culture of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)………………………….. 8
2 Temperature, relative humidity and rainfall at Kamphaeng Saen,
Nakhon Pathom during January 2001 to February 2002…………………... 13
iii

3 Eggs of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)…………………………………... 15
4 Larvae of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)…………………………………..21
5 The relationship between the width of head capsule and
larval instar of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) (5 instars)…………………21
6 The relationship between the width of head capsule and
larval instar of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) (6 instars)………………..22
7 The relationship between the width of head capsule and
larval instar of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) (7 instars)………………...23
8 Abdomenal shape of pupa of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson):
female (A) and male (B) ……………………………………………………24
9 Pupae of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson): female (A) and male (B)……...25
10 Adults of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson): female (A1, A2) and
male (B1, B2)……………………………………………………………….26
11 Eggs curve of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)……………………………..35
12 Survivorship curve of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)…………………….38
13 Larvae of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) …………………………………….. 40
14 Last instar larvae of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)…………………………..41
15 Pupae of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) ………………………………………43
16 The mass of cocoons of Cotesia flavipes (Comeron) around
the parasitized larva of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)…………………44
17 Female adult of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)……………………………… 45
18 Male adult of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)………………………………….46
iv

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)
Figure Page
19 The female adult of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) parasitized on
larvae of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)......................................................49
20 Larvae of Tetrastichus sp. ………………………………………………… 51
21 Pupal of Tetrastichus sp. in pupa of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)……. 50
22 The pupal of Tetrastichus sp. were white became pale-yellow and
became black before adult ……………………………………………….. 53
23 Female adult of Tetrastichus sp. ………………………………………….. 54
24 Male adult of Tetrastichus sp. …………………………………………….. 55
25 The antennae of Tetrastichus sp. ………………………………………….. 56
26 The female of Tetrastichus sp. inserted to ovipositer
in to the host pupa for parasitization…………………………………….......59
27 The adult came out from the host pupa by making an amergence hole……..60
28 Population density of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) at
Doembang Nangbuat, Suphan Buri during February 2001
to January 2002………………………………………………………….... 62
29 Age distribution of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)……………………… 63
30 Percent parasitization of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
larvae by Cotesia flavipes in release and control plots at
v

Suphan Buri in February 2001 to January 2002 ………………………… 65
vi

ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SUGARCANE MOTH BORER,
Chilo tumidicostalis (HAMPSON) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)
AND ITS NATURAL ENEMIES
INTRODUCTION
Sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum L., is one of the most economically
important crop of Thailand. It is the main source of sucrose, and is used in sugar and
alcohol production. Insect pest complex is the most important limiting factor in
sugarcane production. Among the sugarcane insect pest complexes, the sugarcane
moth borers complex is considered most important. Chilo infuscatellus Snellen, Chilo
sacchariphagus (Bojer) and Sesamia inferens (Walker) are key pests of sugarcane and
have caused heavy damage in many areas of sugarcane plantation
(Suasa-ard, 1982).
Sugarcane moth borer, Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) (Lepidoptera:
Pyralidae) are minor pests, but in the last few years this species was the most
important pest and outbreak in some areas such as in the northern of Thailand and 100
percent of infestation occurred in some areas in Sa Kaew and Buri Rum provinces
(Suasa-ard and Allsopp, 2000). The sugarcane moth borer, C. tumidicostalis is an
important pest of sugarcane in many areas of countries such as India, Nepal and
Thailand.
The objective of this study is to conduct an investigation on the biological
attributes, including the construction and analysis of the life table of C. tumidicostalis,
a survey and evaluation of the parasite of this sugarcane moth borer including studies
on the biology of the important parasites; studies on the population dynamics of this
sugarcane moth borer, assessment and evaluation of the parasites of these sugarcane
moth borer as potential biological control agents. The result obtained from this study
will be further utilized as a basis for the development of an integrated pest
management program for this sugarcane moth borer in Thailand.
1

LITERATURE REVIEWS
Cantelo and Pholboon (1965) reported that there were 66 species of insects
attacking sugarcane in Thailand and among these, the moth borers were most serious.
Long and Hensley (1972) reported that there were about 50 species of lepidopterous
borers recognized as pest of sugarcane in the world. None were cosmopolitan and
many attacked other cultivated hosts, especially the members of Gramineae.
Napompeth (1964, 1977) gave accounts on the biology of sugarcane moth
borers and their parasites and reported that there were at least four important species
of sugarcane moth borers which attacked sugarcane in Thailand, namely, Scirpophaga
novella (F.), Chilo infuscatellus Snellen, Sesamia inferens (Walker) and Proceras
venosatus (Bojor). Lewanich (1975) reported that five species of sugarcane moth
borers in Chon Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri and Kanchanaburi
were Chilo infuscatellus Snellen, Chilo sacchariphagus (Bojer), Sesamia inferens
(Walker), Scirpophaga excerptalis (Walker) and Chilo tumidicostalis (Hanpson)
Prachuabmoh and Taleungwut (1980) and Prachuabmoh et al. (1984) reported
that there were 77 species of insects attacking sugarcane and among these, 12 species
were important, the moth borers were most serious. They stated that the Chilo
tumidicostalis (Hampson) attacked sugarcane mostly during July to August in the
rainy season.
Bleszynski (1970) reported that the sugarcane moth borer Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson) was important pest sugarcane in the Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa. It
is distributed in India, Burma and Nepal and especially damaged only sugarcane plant
(Williams et al., 1969) Bleszynski, (1970) reported that its distribution was in India
and Nepal.
Long and Hensley (1972) reported that there were about 50 species of
lepidopterous borers recognized as pest of sugarcane in the world. None were
cosmopolitan and many attacked other cultivated hosts, especially the members of
Gramineae. All stages of sugarcane moth borers usually appeared in the field when
buds of sugarcane sets began to germinate, through the vegetative developmental
stages and until the harvest time. An infestation by moth borers resulted in the
characteristic “dead heart” with subsequent reduction in crop stands in the young
shoot stage, and reduction in stalk weight and juice quality after internode formation.
Metcalfe (1969) stated that the larvae of sugarcane moth borers destroyed the
growing point of stalk preventing further development of internodes, and tunneling
within stalks caused the stalks to break and lodge and reduced juice quality. Mayeaux
and Colmer (1960) mentioned that the larval tunnels served as entry points for
infestation by secondary pests such as other insects, bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
Blesynski (1969) stated that many species of sugarcane moth borers in the old world
belong to the genera Chilo and Sesamia, whereas those in the new world are mostly
Diatraea. He also added that Chilo and Diatraea forms were compact monophyletic
groups and were kept as distinct genera mainly for practical purpose. Ruinard (1971)
2

stated that the relative importance of different sugarcane moth borer species changed
from country to country and they were diversed in numbers and usually of limited
geographical distribution.
Pitaksa and Prachuabmoh (1989) stated that Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
damage on sugarcane during elongation stage at Sam Chuk, Song Phi Nong and
U Thong, Suphan Buri, were 0.68, 3.94 and 1.98 percent respectively. At Ban Bung,
Chon Buri damage was 1.00 percent and at Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi damage was
1.18 percent.
Pitaksa (1999) reported that Chilo tumidicostalis was the most serious pest of
sugarcane and reported that the adult female usually laid egg linearly along the leaves.
The duration periods of egg, larval, pupa and adult stages were 9, 25-30, 7-10 and 3-5
days, respectively, and the total life cycle was 46-49 days, and the average number of
eggs emerging in the field was 96.96 percent. Chilo infuscatellus,
Chilo sacchariphagus and Sesamia inferens have been the key pest species and heavy
damage occurs in many areas of sugarcane plantation (Suasa-ard, 1982).
Chilo tumidicostalis is generally a minor pest, but in the last few years this species has
been the most important pest species and has risen to outbreak status in some areas
such as in the northeast of Thailand. In some areas of Sa Kaew and Buri Rum
provinces, 100 percent of stalks have been infested. The biological studies of
Chilo tumidicostalis revealed that the adult is nocturnal in habit and mating occurs at
dusk. The adults are slender body moths, measuring 16.28±4.32 mm from the head to
the tip of forewing. The general color of forewings is brown to pale brown with some
darker marking. Hindwings are white in female and dirty white to light brown in
male. The longevity of adult is about 5 to 7 days. Eggs are laid in batches on both
sides of leaf blades. Individual egg is oval-shaped, flat and overlaps each other. The
individual egg measures 1.4±0.24 mm in diameter. The larva is creamy white with
big dark spots on the body and a dark brown head. Larvae prefer to feed on time
before pupation. The larval period is 26.4±2.46 days. The pupa period is 7.5±1.15
days. The total life cycle is 43.21 days (Suasa-ard and Allsopp, 2000).
The species complexes of moth borers vary in various sugarcane growing
areas of the country and damage occurred in many areas of sugarcane plantation. The
sugarcane moth borers Chilo infuscatellus Snellen (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Chilo
sacchariphagus (Bojer) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
(Lepidoptera: Pyralidea) and Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are
the most important pests of cane in Afghanistan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Pakistan,
Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam. This cane-borer complex causes
economic damage in every cane-growing area in Thailand. Infestations occur yearround
but are heaviest on the young cane shoots and in the mature plants. There are
many parasites and predators of sugarcane moth borers in Thailand. Among the
parasites, Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is considered the
most effective, playing an important role in the biological control of these cane borers
in Thailand (Suasa-ard and Allsopp, 2000).
In Taiwan, Anonymous (1928) and Chen and Hung (1975) reported that there
were seven species of sugarcane moth borers. They stated that biological control was
3

a practical method for these borers, and egg, larval, and pupal parasites were
introduced into Taiwan for the control of these borers.
Several methods are employed for the control of sugarcane moth borers.
Mechanical and cultural methods such as the removal of dead hearts along with the
borers and their subsequent destruction, and the hand picking of the moth borers were
used in some regions, but it was not very effective (Charpentier and Mathes, 1969).
Agarwal, et al. (1971) and Khanna, et al. (1947) reported that there were some
varieties of sugarcane resistant to sugarcane moth borers in India. Basheer, et al.
(1954) and Long, et al. (1959) stated that infested by sugarcane moth borers, and
application reported at monthly intervals gave good results. However, this method
was not used intensively for the control of sugarcane moth borers in any other regions
of the world. It was also not practical to spray in the sugarcane field after the
internode formation stage (Long, 1969).
Attempts to control sugarcane moth borers by biological agents were
investigated in many countries. Nagarkatti and Nagaraja (1978) made a study on
Trichogromma confusum Viggiani and reported that in was the most important egg
parasite of sugarcane borers. The fecundity and longevity of Trichogramma differred
greatly when reared on eggs of different moths (Flanders, 1945).
Mohyuddin (1971) reported that the life cycle of A. flavipes was completed in
16 days at 30 ºC and 21.4 days at 24.5 ºC. In Japan, Kajita and Drake (1969)
observed that the life cycle of A. flavipes was about 15.5 days, the duration period of
egg, larval and pupal stages lasted 3 days, 6.6 days and 5.6 days respectively at 30 ºC
and the total life cycle was 18.2 days. In India, Subba Rao, et al. (1969) reported that
the average number of cocoons per host larva was 44.4 and the average number of
adults emerged per host larva was 31.8. Almost all of adults were female and the sexratio
between female and male was 5%
In Thailand, Pongsamart (1979) studied the biology of A. flavipes and
reported that its life cycle was completed in 21.01±0.80 days. The longevity of adult
was 2-5 days. The adults began to mate immediately after emergence and mating
lasted for about one minute.
Varma and Bindra (1973a) stated that superparasitism of larvae of C. partellus
by A. flavipes more than twice, some of the parasites failed to emerge from the host
for pupation, furthermore those that emerged died in the pupal stage or became too
small adult.
Verma and Bindra (1973c) studied the technique for rearing Apanteles spp.
and concluded that host larvae of 10-12 days old was suitable for rearing Apanteles
spp. The host was exposed to adult female parasites for 24-26 hours, after the females
had been kept with males in groups of three females and one male. After
parasitization hosts were reared individually until parasites emerged and spun their
cocoons. Gifford and Mana (1967), and Varma and Bindra (1973b) stated that mating
of A. flavipes began immediately after the adults emerged, often before the parasites
took food or moisture and usually lasted about 30-50 seconds. Both sexes exhibited
4

epeated mating habits, males mated as many as 23 times and females 8 times. They
also stated that more than 40,000 adult of A\ were reared on the sugarcane borers in
the laboratory and about 28,000 of these were released in commercial fields. A few
field recoveries occurred four months after release, but none were recovered in 1964.
Cotesia flavipes is an effective parasite for augmentative biological control of
sugarcane moth borers in many countries such as India, Mauritius, Pakistan, Indonesia
and Brazil (Suasa-ard and Charernsom, 1992; Mohyuddin, 1992; Pan and Lim, 1979).
The study of natural enemies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) (Lepidoptera:
Pyralidae), was studied in the laboratory and under field conditions. The study
showed that Trichogramma chilotraeae Nagaraja and Nogarkatti and Cotesia flavipes
(Cameron) were the most important egg and larval parasites of C. tumidicostalis,
respectively. Other important natural enemies were Telenomus sp., Xanthopimpla
sp., an unidentified tachinid, some earwigs and some spiders (Suasa-ard and Allsopp,
2000) Tetrastichus spp. and Xanthopimpla spp. were the most important pupal
parasite of sugarcane moth borers in Mauritius (Moutia and Courtois, 1952).
Larval parasite, Cotesia flavipes is an important larval parasite of sugarcane
moth borers in Thailand. The egg of Cotesia flavipes is creamy white and becomes
pale-yellow before hatching. The larva is vermiform, white to pale-yellow in color.
The full grown larva comes out from the host larva for pupation by cutting its host’s
cuticle. The mature larva of Cotesia flavipes begins to spin a cocoon immediately for
pupation after coming out from the host larva. The pupa inside the cocoon is creamywhite
and becomes light-brown before adult emerges. The cocoon is stoutly
constructed, white in color and measures 2.23±0.13 mm in length and 0.83±0.07 mm
in width. The cocoons of Cotesia flavipes are closely packed with white fluffy hair
around the host larva were 82.63±24.14, ranging from 47 to 133 pupae. The thorax
and abdomen of adult were black in color, while the legs, antennae and mouthparts are
light reddish-brown. The wings are mostly brown. The head is large, black and
shining. Sex differentiation can be detected by using antennae and morphological
characteristics of the abdomen. The female antennae are submoniliform, short, not as
long as the body, and the abdomen is stout in shape with a long ovipositor. The
antennae of male are filiform, longer than body, and the abdomen is slender. The
average lengths of male and female from head to the tip of abdomen are 1.23±0.11
mm and 1.83±0.06 mm. The wing expanses of male and female are 3.14±0.12 mm
and 4.03±0.16 mm respectively. The oviposition of adult female occurs on the first
day after emergence. The adult parasite lays egg inside the host larvae, and the
incubation period is about 1 to 2 days. The duration of development from egg to
prepupa is 12.76±0.79 days. The prepupal stage takes 1.75±0.62 days. The pupal
stage took 5.70±0.45 days. The longevity of male and female adults are 3.75±0.88
and 2.92±0.75 days respectively. The total life cycle from egg to adult emergence is
20.10±1.17 days (Wilkinson, 1928 and Suasa-ard, 1982).
Egg parasite, Trichogramma chilotraeae is important egg parasite of
C. tumidicostalis. The adult T. chilotraeae is pale-yellow with a compound eye red in
color. The male is slightly smaller than the female from the same host. The average
length from head to the tip of abdomen of the male is 0.42±0.44 mm, ranging from
5

0.42 mm to 0.49 mm. The wing expanse of the male is 1.12±0.06 mm, ranging from
1.08 mm to 1.25 mm, and that of the female is 1.31±0.05 mm, ranging from 1.23 mm
to 1.37 mm. Sex differentiation can be detected by using the types of antennae and
morphological characteristics of the abdomen. The male has a slender shaped
abdomen and the antenna is plumose while the female adult had a stout abdomen and
long ovipositor. The preoviposition period is less than 24 hours after adult
emergence. The incubation period takes about 1 to 2 days, the larval period is about 4
to 6 days and the pupal period emergence is about 9 to 13 days. The longevity of
adult is about 2 to 5 days and sex ratio averages about 1:3:5 male and female (Suasaard,
1982)
6

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Laboratory study of the sugarcane moth borer, Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
was conducted at National Biological Control Research Center (NBCRC), Central
Regional Center (CRC), Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon
Pathom, Thailand. The studies included mass rearing of sugarcane moth borer
C. tumidicostalis as stock culture, biological study of C. tumidicostalis and its natural
enemies.
Stock culture of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
The stock culture of the sugarcane moth borer, C. tumidicostalis were obtained
by collecting larvae of sugarcane moth borer from the sugarcane fields. They were
reared in the plastic boxes measuring 23 cm in diameter and 10.5 cm in height with
pieces of sugarcane stalk, until pupation. The pupae were kept in a petri-dish with
adequate moisture provided with water-soaked filter paper until the adult of
C. tumidicostalis emerged and then transfered them to the insect rearing cage
measuring 60x60x90 cm in dimension, with young shoots of sugarcane planted in a
clay pot.
A cotton soaked with honey 5% was provided as food for adult moths. After
oviposition occured on the leaf of the plant, the pot was taken out from the cage and
new pot of fresh sugarcane substituted. Four days after oviposition, eggs were
collected from the plant for hatching in the plastic boxes measuring 23 cm in diameter
and 10.5 cm in height with cut pieces of young shoot of sugarcane. The second instars
larvae were transferred to new plastic box with cut pieces of sugarcane stem as food.
It was changed every three day until pupation. Using this method, it was possible to
maintain a stock culture of sugarcane moth borer, C. tumidicostalis for study on the
biological attributes, construction of the life tables and other various experimental
purposes on a continuous basis. The stock culture of C. tumidicostalis were
maintained at the room temperature of 20-30°C (Figure 1)
Biological studies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
The newly laid eggs of C. tumidicostalis was collected from the stock culture
and transferred into circular-shaped plastic boxes measuring 23 cm in diameter and
10.5 cm in height. The cover of plastic boxes were cut open with hole which was
covered with a organza screen for ventilation, some cut pieces of young shoot of
sugarcane were provided as food of larvae and adequate moisture provided with
water-soaked filter paper. The observation of the incubation period was done. The
newly hatched larvae were reared singly in plastic boxes, measuring 11x11x7 cm in
dimensions with cut piece of young shoot of sugarcane. The cut piece of sugarcane
was changed everyday until pupation. After pupation, pupae were kept singly in
plastic boxes, measuring 11x11x7 cm in dimension with young shoot of sugarcane
with adequate moist cotton. Daily observation was made and necessary data recorded
throughout the span of development period. The head-capsules of each stage was
preserved for necessary measurement to determine growth increment. The width of
7

Figure 1 Stock culture of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) reared in the
insect rearing cage in the insectary
8

the capsule of each larval instars was measured by an ocular micrometer to determine
the growth increment.
A pair of emerged adult was transferred into the oviposition cage, measuring
60x60x90 cm in dimensions with young shoot of sugarcane planted in clay pot. A
cotton soaked with honey was provided as food for adult moths. The number of eggs
laid by the female adults on the leaves of sugarcane were counted everyday. The
number of eggs per batch and the oviposition site were noted, and they were kept for
further observation on incubation period, and other biological studies.
Life Table Study of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Biological life table study
Biological life table study of C. tumidicostalis were carried out by using 357
newly laid egg of C. tumidicostalis respectively from the stock culture. The sugarcane
leaves with these eggs were kept in the test tubes measuring with 2.2 cm diameter and
15 cm long with a moist filter paper. The newly hatched larvae was transferred to ten
plastic boxes, measuring 11×11×7 cm in dimensions with some cut pieces of
sugarcane stalk as food of larvae. New cuts pieces of sugarcane stalk were changed
every three days or whenever necessary. Daily observation was made and data on
number of individual larval and pupal survived recorded every three days until adult
emerged. The adults were reared in oviposition cages measuring 60x60x90 cm in
dimensions. In each cage cotton soaked with 5% honey syrup and a young shoot of
sugarcane planted in clay pot were provided for adult survival and oviposition. The
young shoots of sugarcane were changed daily. Data on the number of adults
survived and eggs laid were recorded daily until emerged adults died. These recorded
data were used for the construction of the biology life table using techniques given by
Allee et al. (1949), Andrewartha and Birch (1954), Morris and Miller (1954),
Laughlin (1965), Southwood (1968), Harcourt (1969), Napompeth (1973),
Andrewartha (1970) and Varley and Gradwell (1970).
The net reproductive rate of increase (Ro) is calculated from equation:
Ro
α
= Σ lx mx
x = 0
where, 0 to α = life span
lx = proportion at birth of females being alive at age X
mx = number of female births during age X
lxmx = egg curve
The cohort generation time (Tc) is calculated from the equation:
Tc
α α
= Σ lx mx .X / Σ lx mx
x = 0
x = 0
9

The capacity for increase (rc) of Laughlin (1965) is as approximation of the
innate capacity for increase (rm) the calculation of which was complicated. The rc
could be calculated from the equation:
rc = loge Ro
Tc
The finite rate of increase (λ) is calculated from the equation:
λ = antiloge rc
The population doubling time (DT) is calculated from the equation:
DT = loge 2
rc
The egg curve was obtained by plotting lxmx against X. This curve represented
the egg schedule of births and deaths in terms of the age-schedule fecundity and
probability at birth of females being alive at each age group and the egg productivity
within each age group through the life history.
Partial ecological life table study
The partial ecological life table study of C. tumidicostalis were carried out by
using newly laid eggs on leaves and leaf sheaths of sugarcane from stock culture.
The leaves or leaf sheaths of sugarcane with eggs were kept in plastic boxes,
measuring 23 cm in diameter and 10.5 cm in height with adequate moisture provided
with water-soaked filter paper. The newly hatched larvae were transferred to and
other plastic boxes, measuring 23 cm diameter and 10.5 cm in height. Each plastic
boxes contained twenty larvae provided with fresh cut pieces of young shoot of
sugarcane until they pupated. The pupae were kept under normal condition with
soaked filter paper in a petri-dish, with was kept in the oviposition cage, measuring
60x60x90 cm in dimensions. Daily observation was made and the number of
individuals survived in each development stage was recorded for construct the partial
ecological life table using techniques given by Napompeth (1973).
Survey of the Natural Enemies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Field survey and evaluation of parasites of C. tumidicostalis was done by
collecting and examining all stages of these sugarcane borers covering area and
locations where sugarcane was cultivated in Suphan Buri. The eggs, larvae and pupae
of these sugarcane borers were brought to the laboratory. Eggs were kept in the test
tubes measuring with 2.2 cm diameter and 15 cm long; larvae and pupae were kept in
plastic boxes, measuring 23 cm in diameter and 10.5 cm in height with some cut
pieces of sugarcane stalk. Daily observation was done until the emergence of the
parasites. The adult parasites were hold for proper identification. The more important
parasites species were reared, if possible and used for establishing stock cultures for
further biological study and evaluation of their effectiveness.
10

Biological Studies of The Important Parasite of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Egg Parasites
Adult of egg parasites obtained from the survey were kept in the test tubes, 2.2
cm diameter and 15 cm long, with small drops of honey on wax paper as food for the
parasites and the tube plugged with cotton wool. The newly laid eggs of sugarcane
borer obtained from stock culture were exposed in the test tubes for parasitization.
The eggs were changed after they had been parasitized and kept in the test tubes
plugged with cotton wool. These test tubes with parasites were kept in the room
temperature at 20-30 °C until the adult parasites emerged. By this method, it was
possible to maintain a stock culture of egg parasites for bionomic study and other
experimental purposes.
Larval Parasites
Adults of larval parasites collected from field survey were kept in plastic boxes
(11 cm high and 13 cm diameter) with few drops of honey in wax paper as food for
adults. The cover of plastic boxes were cut open with hole which was covered with
organza screen for ventilation (A hole measuring 2 cm in diameter was made on the
lateral side and plugged with a cork stopper for transferring the host and parasite into
it). The third to fourth instar larvae of sugarcane borers with small pieces of
sugarcane stalk were exposed to adult parasites in the plastic boxed. After
parasitization had taken place the larvae were changed and reared in new plastic boxes
(10.5 cm high and 23 diameter) until the parasites had spun their cocoons. The
cocoons were kept in new plastic boxes for emergence of the adults. The number of
parasites per host and biological data were recorded.
Pupal Parasites
Adults of pupal parasite collected from the field were reared in parasite-rearing
plastic boxes, with few drops of honey on wax paper as food. The newly pupated
pupae of sugarcane moth borers were then exposed to the parasites in the plastic
rearing boxes for parasitization. The pupae were changed everyday after
parasitization. The parasitized were kept in new plastic boxes for the emergence of
adult parasites. Daily observation was done and biological data of the parasites were
recorded.
Population Study Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
The population study of sugarcane moth borer C. tumidicostalis was carried
out at Doembang Nangbuat, Suphan Buri province. The sugarcane on this plantation
was planted in rows with 25x100 cm spacing, and K 84-200 was used. The area used
for the study was about 4.5 hectares at Doembang Nangbuat.
The sampling program was set by using one stool as a sample unit and 60
samples were taken from the area 4.5 hectares in location. At location a border row
of 5 meters were makes off on all sides and samples were taken from every other 10
11

ows within each plot. The number of tillers and infested tillers per stool; the number
of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of C. tumidicostalis; and number of it natural
enemies were recorded from the emergence of sugarcane and followed through for 1
year.
The data thus collected was utilized for the analysis of various population
parameters and assessment of the parasites of sugarcane moth borers as potential
biological control agents. The method of analyzing the data in these field experiments
were done by using the techniques given by Napompeth (1973) and Southwood
(1968). The population study was carried out from February 2001 to January 2002.
The climatological data at Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom during the
period of investigation was shown in Figure 2.
Assessment Potential of Natural Enemies of Cotesia flavipes
The adult of C. flavipes were used for field release, in a sugarcane plantation
area where sugarcane moth borer was considered as serious pest. Assessment of the
release in the form of augmentative biological control was carried out beginning in
February in 2001 to January 2002 at Suphan Buri.
At each location 2 plots (4.5 hectares) were established as release and control
plot. The latter was located some 10 km, away from the release plot. About 500
adults C. flavipes were released at Doembang Nangbuat, Suphan Buri, and monthly
intervals.
Assessment was done by population counts to determine larvae density of
sugarcane moth borer carried out monthly. Data were used to assess the potential of
C. flavipes as a biological control agent for the sugarcane moth borer
C. tumidicoslalis in field.
12

RAINFALL (mm)
RELATIVE HUMIDITY (%)
TEMPERATURE (C)
400
300
200
100
0
200
150
100
50
0
80
60
40
20
0
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEM JAN
MIN
MAX
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN
2001
MIN
MAX
Figure 2 Monthly average of Rainfall (mm), relative humidity (%) and
Temperature (ºC) at Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom
during February 2001 to January 2002
2002
13

RESULTS
Biological Study of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Description of Stages of Development of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Egg
C. tumidicostalis is usually laid eggs in batches on both sides of leaf blades in
2 to 3 rows linearly along the leaves of sugarcane at night. The average number of
eggs per batch is 123.31±70.89 and ranging from 5 to 250 eggs per batch. The
individual egg was oval-shaped, flat and overlapped each other (Figure3). The newly
laid eggs were white, and turned yellowish-white and dark before hatching. The size
of individual egg was 0.91±0.11 mm in width and 1.59±0.07 mm in length.
Larva
The newly hatched larvae were creamy white with a big dark spots on the body
and dark brown head. The dark spots on the body of larvae tunneled darker in the
later instars and each segment has four such spots on the dorsal side (Figure4). The
larva of C. tumidicostalis prefered to feed on the stalk than the shoot of sugarcane and
usually live gregariousness in the same stock. Sometimes found more than 100 larvae
in one stalk. Number of instars were depended on food and environment.
The larva of C. tumidicostalis molted five to seven times before pupation. The
average size of the body of the first larval instar measured 0.23±0.05 mm in width and
1.53±0.12 mm in length. The second larval instar measured 0.51±0.1 mm in width
and 3.08±0.46 mm in length. The third larval instar measured 1.00±0.05 mm in width
and 6.26±0.81 in length. The fourth larval instar measured 1.23±0.05 mm in width
and 8.71±0.10 mm in length. The fifth larval instar measured 2.29±0.10 mm in width
and 13.53±0.91 mm in length. The sixth larval instar measured 2.53±0.05 mm in
width and 18.24±0.26 mm in length and the seventh larval instar measured 3.30±0.22
in width and 23.06±1.05 mm in length. The mean width of head capsule of the first to
the fifth instars were 0.35±0.01, 0.38±0.01, 0.89±0.07,1.39±0.21 and 1.64±0.11 mm
for the larvae with five-instars development respectively, and the mean widths of head
capsule were 0.35±0.01, 0.38 ±0.01, 0.88±0.07, 1.32±0.05, 1.63±0.10 and 1.99±0.04
mm for the larvae with six-instars development, respectively and the mean width of
head capsule for the first to the seventh instars larva were 0.34±0.02, 0.38±0.01, 0.88±
0.10, 1.31±0.05, 1.63±0.1, 1.98±0.05 and 2.07±0.05 mm, respectively for the larvae
with seven-instars development. Larva in each subsequent instars assumed the
growth, as expressed by the increasing width of head capsule, a geometric progression
with and average ratio of 1.5476, 1.4739 and 1.4042 for the five- , six- and seveninstars
larval development respectively (Table 1, 2 and 3), and conformed to the
Dyar’s Law [pooled x 2 = 0.1661, df = 2, P = 0.01, pooled x 2 = 0.1708, df = 2, P =
0.01 and pooled x 2 = 0.4408, df = 2, P = 0.01).
14

Figure 3 Eggs mass of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
15

Figure 4 Larvae of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson.)
16

Table 1 Width of head capsule of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) in successive five
instars (n = 30)
Larval Width of head capsule (mm) Head capsule Calculated
instar Mean±S.D. range growth ratio width of head
capsule (mm)
Instar I 0.3527±0.0123 0.34-0.36 0.3527 0
1.0814
Instar II 0.381±0.0078 0.36-0.38 0.5458 0.0490
2.3424
Instar III 0.8934±0.0659 0.79-1.02 0.8445 0.0028
1.5522
Instar IV 1.3867±0.2145 1.25-1.40 1.3069 0.0049
1.2144
Instar V 1.6384±0.1125 1.28-1.77 2.1187 0.1089
Mean geometric progression ratio = 1.5476 Pooled
2
x
2
x = 0.1661
17

Table 2 Width of head capsule of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) in successive six
instars (n = 36)
Larval Width of head capsule (mm) Head capsule Calculated
instar Mean±S.D. rage growth ratio width of head
capsule (mm)
Instar I 0.3483±0.0111 0.34-0.36 0.3483 0
1.0902
Instar II 0.3797±0.0097 0.36-0.38 0.5134 0.0349
2.3297
Instar III 0.8846±0.0696 0.79-1.02 0.7567 0.0217
1.4868
Instar IV 1.3152±0.0490 1.25-1.40 1.1153 0.0359
1.2425
Instar V 1.6341±0.0988 1.40-1.77 1.6438 0.0001
1.2188
Instar VI 1.9917±0.0368 1.90-2.10 2.4278 0.0783
Mean geometric progression ratio = 1.4739
Pooled
2
x
2
x = 0.1708
18

Table 3 Width of head capsule of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) in successive
seven instars (n = 40)
Larval
instar
Width of head capsule (mm)
Mean±S.D. rage
Head capsule
growth ratio
Calculated
width of head
capsule (mm)
2
x
Instar I 0.3430±0.0160 0.34-0.36 0.3430 0
1.0971
Instar II 0.3763±0.0119 0.36-0.38 0.4816 0.0230
2.3455
Instar III 0.8826±0.0958 0.69-1.02 0.6763 0.0625
1.4814
Instar IV 1.3075±0.0488 1.25-1.40 0.9497 0.1348
1.2514
Instar V 1.6262±0.1048 1.28-1.77 1.3336 0.0642
1.2191
Instar VI 1.9825±0.0501 1.90-2.10 1.8726 0.0065
1.0429
Instar VII 2.0675±0.0474 2.00-2.10 2.6295 0.1498
Mean geometric progression ratio = 1.4042
2
Pooled x = 0.4408
19

The straight line relationship was obtained during the growth increment as shown in
Figure 5, 6 and 7 using the width of head capsule and successive larval instars.
The pupa
Larva of C. tumidicostalis pupated in the tunnel made by the larva in the
sugarcane stem, sometimes pupation took place in the leaf sheath. Before pupation
the body of larva become shortened during 1 to 2 days of prepupal stage.
The newly-formed pupa were pale-yellow. After 1-2 days thay become
red-brown. Male pupa measured 13.39±0.77 mm in length 3.30±0.21 mm in width
and female pupa measured 17.17±1.87 mm in length 4.24±0.24 mm in width. The
male pupa period was 4.37±0.71 days, and the female pupa 6.07±0.91 days. Sex
differentiation could be detected in the pupal stage using morphological differentiation
at the tip of abdomen especially the space between the genital pores, as shown in
Figure 8. The pore of the female pupa was wider than that of the male. The size of
female pupa was slightly larger than of the male pupa (Figure 9).
The adult
Adults of C.tumidicostalis were nocturnal in habit. They were active and
mating normally occurred on the leaf of sugarcane at dusk. The female adults laid
eggs in batch on both sides of leaf blades at night. The general color of forewings was
brown to pale brown with some darker marking. Hindwings were white in female and
dirty white to light brown in male. The body size, measuring from head to the tip of
the last abdominal segment, averaged 11.49±0.30 mm and 12.70±0.27 mm in male
and female respectively. The wing expanse was 24.58±0.59 mm and 28.84±0.50 mm
in male and female respectively (Figure 10). The body measurement of various stage
was shown in Table 4.
Duration of developmental stages of Chilo tumidicostalis
The oviposition period of C. tumidicostalis was 1.91±0.69 days, ranging from
1 to 3 days. The number of egg laid per female averaged 123.31±70.89 eggs, ranging
from 5 to 250 eggs. The incubation period was 5.28±0.85 days, ranging from 4 to 7
days.
The number of larval instar of C. tumidicostalis could range from five to
seven instars. The duration of each successive instar with five molting were 3.43±0.5,
3.87±0.89, 4.67±1.15, 6.87±1.47 and 6.4±1.45 days respectively. The total larval
period was 24.67±4.07 days, ranging from 19 to 29 days. The duration of prepupal
stage was 1.77 ±0.43 days, ranging from 1 to 2 days. The average pupal period was
47.23±1.52 days, ranging from 5 to 9 days. The longevity of male and female were
3.97 ±0.76 days, ranging from 3 to 5 days and 3.9± 0.84 days, ranging from 3 to 5
days respectively. The total life cycle of C.tumidicostalis with five larval instars was
45.87±3.58 days, ranging from 37 to 49 days.
20

WIDTH OF HEAD CAPSULES (mm)
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
I II III IV V
LARVAL INSTARS
Figure 5 The relationship between the width of head capsule and the larval
instars of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) (5 instars)
21

WIDTH OF HEAD CAPSULE (
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
I II III IV V VI
LARVAL INSTARS
Figure 6 The relationship between the width of head
capsule and the larval instars of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson) (6 instars)
22

WIDTH OF HEAD CAPSULES (mm)
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
I II III IV V VI VII
LARVAL INSTARS
Figure 7 The relationship between the width of head capsule and the
larval instars (7 instars)
23

Figure 8 Abdominal shape of pupae of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson): female (A) and male (B)
A
B
24

A B
Figure 9 Pupae of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson):
male (A) and female (B).
25

A1 A2
B1 B2
Figure 10 Adults of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson):
female (A1, A2) and male (B1, B2)
26

Table 4 Body measurements of various stages of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Stage of Width (mm) Length (mm)
development Mean±S.D. range Mean±S.D. range
Egg: 0.91±0.11 0.7-1.1 1.60±0.07 1.5-1.7
Larva: Inatar I 0.23±0.05 0.2-0.3 1.53±0.12 1.0-1.7
Instar II 0.51±0.10 0.4-0.7 3.08±0.46 2.4-3.9
Instar III 1.00±0.05 1.1-0.9 6.26±0.82 4.5-7.8
Instar IV 1.23±0.05 1.2-1.3 8.71±0.10 8.5-8.8
Instar V 2.29±0.10 2.1-2.5 13.53±0.91 12.9-14.6
Instar VI 2.53±0.05 2.5-2.6 18.24±0.26 17.7-18.7
Instar VII 3.30±0.22 3.0-3.8 23.06±1.05 21.0-25.0
Pupa: Male 3.30±0.21 2.9-3.5 13.97±0.77 12.1-14.8
Female 4.24±0.24 3.7-4.5 17.17±1.87 14.5-19.4
Adult: Male 24.58±0.59 23.4-25.0 11.49±0.30 11.0-11.8
Female 28.84±0.50 27.5-29.5 13.05±1.78 12.2-13.0
27

The duration of each successive larval instars with six molting were 3.83 ±
0.71, 5.03±0.89, 4.90±0.96, 7.13±1.57, 7.33±1.47 and 7.93±2.02 days respectively.
The duration from the first to sixth instars averaged 33.43±4.46 days, ranging from 28
to 42 days. The prepupal stage took about 1.70±0.47 days, ranging from 1 to 2 days.
The duration of pupal stage was 7.03±1.19 days, ranging from 6 to 9 days. The
longevity of male and female adults were 3.90±0.88 days, ranging from 2 to 5 days
and 4.03±0.76 days, ranging from 3 to 5 days respectively. The total life cycle of
C. tumidicostalis with six larval instars was 54.47±4.55 days, ranging from 49 to 64
days.
The duration of each successive larval instars with seven molting were 3.90±
0.31, 5.07±0.64, 5.03±0.81, 7.23±1.36, 7.57±1.63, 8.40±1.04 and 7.77±1.72 days
respectively. The duration from the first to seventh instars averaged 37.30±2.76 days,
ranging from 36 to 42 days. The prepupal stage took about 1.8±0.41 days, ranging
from 1 to 2 days. The duration of pupal stage was 7.27±1.34 days, ranging from 5 to
9 days. The longevity of male and female adults were 3.67±0.84 days, ranging from 2
to 4 days and 3.50±0.90 days, ranging from 2 to 5 days respectively. The total life
cycle of C. tumidicostalis with seven larval instars was 58.13±3.00 days, ranging from
54 to 63 days. The data on the duration of development stage of C. tumidicostalis with
five-, six- and seven-instars larvae were presented in Table 5, 6 and 7.
28

Table 5 Duration of various developmental stages of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
with five instars larvae under laboratory condition
(28 ± 2 0 C and 75 ± 2 % RH)
Stage of development N Mean±S.D. Range
(days)
(days)
Egg: 267 4.33±0.48 4-5
Larva: Instar I 35 3.43±0.50 3-4
Instar II 35 3.87±0.89 3-5
Instar III 35 4.67±1.15 3-6
Instar IV 35 6.87±1.47 4-9
Instar V 35 6.40±1.45 3-8
Total: first to last instar 35 24.67±4.07 19-29
Prepupa: 35 1.77±0.43 1-2
Pupa: 35 7.23±1.52 5-9
Adult: Male 18 3.97±0.76 3-5
Female 15 3.90±0.84 3-5
29

Table 6 Duration of various developmental stages of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
with six instars larvae under laboratory condition
(28 ± 2 0 C and 75 ± 2 % RH)
Stage of development N Mean±S.D. Range
(days)
(days)
Egg: 267 4.37±0.49 4-5
Larva: Instar I 30 3.83±0.71 3-5
Instar II 30 5.03±0.89 3-6
Instar III 30 4.90±0.96 3-6
Instar IV 30 7.13±1.57 4-9
Instar V 30 7.33±1.47 5-9
Instar VI 30 7.93±2.02 4-12
Total: first to last instar 30 33.43±4.46 28-42
Prepupa:
29 1.70±0.47 1-2
Pupa: 29 7.03±1.19 6-9
Adult: Male 15 3.90±0.88 2-5
Female 15 4.03±0.76 3-5
30

Table 7 Duration of various developmental stages of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
with seven instars larvae under laboratory condition
( 28 ± 2 0 C and 75 ± 2 % RH)
Stage of development N Mean±S.D. Range
(days)
(days)
Egg: 267 4.60±0.49 4-5
Larva: Instar I 26 3.90±0.31 3-4
Instar II 26 5.07±0.64 4-6
Instar III 26 5.03±0.81 4-6
Instar IV 26 7.23±1.36 4-9
Instar V 26 7.57±1.63 4-9
Instar VI 26 8.40±1.04 5-11
Instar VII 26 7.77±1.72 5-10
Total: first to last instar 26 37.30±2.76 31-42
Prepupa: 26 1.80±0.41 1-2
Pupa: 23 7.27±1.34 5-9
Adult: Male 12 3.67±0.84 2-4
Female 10 3.50±0.90 2-5
31

Life tables of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Both biological and partial ecological life tables of C. tumidicostalis was
investigated.
Biological life table
By proper planning and regular observation on the life history of sugarcane
moth borers, it was possible to obtain data for construction of a biological life table.
From the construction of biological life table of sugarcane moth borers, the biological
attributes obtained from the investigation were the net reproductive rate of increase
(Ro), the capacity for increase (rc ), the finite rate of increase (λ) and the cohort
generation time (Tc). The net reproductive rate of increase (Ro) was the multiplication
per generation. It was expressed as the ratio of total female births in two successive
generations. The capacity for increase (rc) was an approximated value of the innate
capacity for increase (rm), it was an instantaneous growth coefficient when the
population was increasing in an unlimited environment. The finite rate of increase (λ)
was the multiplication per female in unit of time and could be calculated from the
approximated valve of the innate capacity for increase. The cohort generation time
(Tc) was the mean time from birth of parents to birth of offspring biological life table
dealing primarily with the female portion of the population and male were not
included.
The biological life table of C. tumidicostulis was illustrated in Table 8. The
biological attributes calculated from the table were the net reproductive rate of
increase (Ro) = 28.5128. The capacity for increase (rc ) = 0.0779, the finite rate of
increase (λ) = 1.0821 and the cohort generation time (Tc) = 8.8897 days. It meaned
that a population of C. tumidicostalis could multiply = 28.5128 times in each
generation or it could multiply 1.0821 times in every three days. The biological
attributes of C. tumidicostalis obtained from biological life table study was shown in
Table 9.
The eggs curve, designated by Laughlin (1965), was obtained by plotting lxmx
against X. This curve represented the egg schedule of births and deaths in terms of
the age-schedule fecundity and probability at birth of females being alive at each age
group and the egg productivity within each age group through the life history.
The egg curve of C. tumidicostalis as calculated from the biological life table
was shown in Figure 11. It was obvious that the maximum productivity occurred
during the first four days of an oviposition period. The productivity rapidly declined
there after.
32

Table 8 Biological life table, age-specific fecundity rate and net reproductive rate
Pivotal age
in days
(X)
(Ro) of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) under laboratory condition
(28 ± 2 0 C and 75 ± 2 % RH)
Proportion at birth 1/
of female being
alive at age X
(lxmx)
Age-specific 2/
Fecundity
(♀egg/♀ /X)
(mx)
Egg curve 3/
(lxmx)
lxmx.X
0 1.0000 - -
3 1.0000 - -
6 0.9076 - -
9 0.7339 - -
12 0.6947 - -
15
Immature 18 stages
0.5966
0.5490
-
-
-
-
21 0.4802 - -
24 0.4286 - -
27 0.3838 - -
30 0.3613 - -
33 0.3389 - -
36 0.3249 Preoviposition period
39 0.2941 5.6729 1.6703 65.1417
42 0.2717 67.3608 18.3019 768.6790
45 0.1905 32.5526 6.2013 279.0585
48 0.1765 13.2539 2.3393 112.2865
51 0.0812 - - -
R0 = 28.5128
1/ lx = The probability of individual being alive at the beginning of the age-interval.
2/ mx = The number of female eggs of offsprings for each age-interval.
3/ lxmx = After Laughlin (1965)
33

Table 9 Parameters calculated for biological attributes of Chilo tumidicostalis
(Hampson) under laboratory condition (28±2 ºC and 75±2 %RH)
Biological attribute Notation Calculated value
Net reproductive rate of increase R0 28.5128
Capacity for increase rc 0.0779
Finite rate of increase λ 1.0821
Cohort generation time Tc 8.8897
34

lxmx
20
15
10
5
0
33 36 39 42 45 48 51
X (DAYS)
Figure 11 Eggs curve of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) under
laboratory condition (28±2ºC and 75±2%RH)
35

Partial ecological life table
It was not feasible to construct complete ecological life tables of
C. tumidicostalis, therefore, a partial ecological life table was constructed using
laboratory life history data. It was an indicator of the innate mortality and not to other
mortality factors. The mortality could differ if compared with the investigation in the
field and it was anticipated that the mortality should be much higher because under the
field condition they were limited by various biological factures such as parasites,
predators, insect pathogens and other physical factors. The survivorship curves of
C. tumidicostalis was constructed by using the number of individuals survived in each
developmental stages (lx) against stages of development (X)
The partial ecological life table of C. tumidicostalis was illustrated in Table 10.
It was obvious that high mortality during first larval instars and also the second larval
instars. The survivorship curve, as shown in Figure 12, indicated that the mortality
was high during the first and second larval instars. This mortality was not high during
the subsequent stages of development. This was probably due to certain physiological
factors. Mortality obtained under laboratory was apparently less than mortality
observed under field condition. Under field condition high mortality occurred in last
larval instars (instars 5, 6, 7) and caused mainly by the natural enemies, particularly
due to the parasitization of larval parasites, C. flavipes.
36

Table 10 Partial ecological life table of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) under
laboratory condition (28 ± 2 o C and 75 ± 2% RH)
Stage of development
(X)
No. surviving
in X
(lx)
No. dying
in X
(dx)
Percent
mortality
(100 qx)
37
Generation
mortality
(100dx/n)
Egg: 487 12 2.4640 2.4640
Larva:
Instar I 475 119 25.0526 24.4353
Instar II 356 129 36.2359 26.4887
Instar III 227 34 14.9779 6.9815
Instar IV 193 29 15.0259 5.9548
Instar V, VI, VII 164 24 14.6341 4.9281
Prepupa: 140 18 12.8571 3.6960
Pupa: 122 9 7.3770 1.8480
Adult: 113 - - -
Male 44 - - -
Female 69 - - -

lx
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
E I II III IV V,VI,VII PP P A
X
Figure 12 Survivorship curve of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson), under
laboratory condition (28 ± 2 o C and 75 ± 2% RH)
38

Survey Natural Enemies of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Field survey and evaluation of natural enemies of sugarcane moth borer,
C. tumidicostalis were carried out at Doembang Nangbuat, Suphan Buri. The survey
and evaluation of parasites and predators were conducted every two weeks from
February 2001 to January 2002.
In the field survey of the natural enemies of sugarcane moth borers,
C. tumidicostalis, four species of hymenopterous parasites, few species of earwings,
which feed on egg of sugarcane borers, and some species of spiders were found.
Among the hymenopterous parasite, Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera:
Broconidae) was important larval parasite; Tetrastichus sp (Hymenoptera:
Eulophidae) was important pupal parasite; Telenomus sp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)
and Trichogramma chilotraeae Nagaraja & Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera:
Trichogrammatidae) were important egg parasites. C. flavipes seem to play the most
important role in the natural control of C. tumidicostalis in area was conducted.
Biological studies of important parasite of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
Biological studies of Cotesia flavipes
Description of Stages of Development of Costesia flavipes (Cameron)
(Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Egg
The adult of C. flavipes laid eggs in the larva of C. tumidicostalis. The
individual egg was hymenopteriform, rounded at the cephalic end, enlarged medially
and tapered at the posterior end. There was a small button-like peduncle at the
posterior end. The average size of egg was 0.123±0.009 mm, ranging from 0.113 to
0.150 mm in length and 0.034±0.001 mm, ranging from 0.032 to 0.041 mm in
maximum width. The egg of C. flavipes was creamy white and became pale-yellow
before hatching. Dissection of gravid adult female revealed that the number of uterine
eggs per female was 81.5±16.68 eggs, ranging from 38 to125 eggs.
Larva
The larva of C. flavipes was vermiform, white to pale-yellow in color (Figure
13). They fed in the host body until the last stage of development. The full grown
larvae emerged from their hosts before pupation. They were pupated outside the body
of the host. The mature larvae were creamy-white and grub-like shaped and the
average size of these larvae was 2.97±0.34 mm, ranging from 2.53 to 3.8o mm in
length and 0.82±0.05 mm, ranging from 0.56 to 0.84 mm in maximum width. The
larva body was slightly slender at the anterior and posterior end, and the segmentation
was distinct. The full grown larvae came out from the host larva for pupation by
cutting their host’s cuticle, as shown on Figure 14.
39

Figure 13 The larvae of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)
40

Figure 14 The full grown larvae of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) emerged
from larva of Chilo tumidicostalis
41

Pupa
The mature larva of C. flavipes began to spin cocoon immediately for pupation
after coming out from the host larva and took about 6 to 12 hours to complete the
cocoon. The pupa inside the cocoon was creamy-white (Figure 15) and become lightbrown
before adult emerged. Sex differentiation could be detected in pupa stage by
using the length of the antennae. The average size of female pupa was 1.52±0.02 mm,
ranging from 1.20 to 1.34 mm in length and 0.64±0.07 mm, ranging from 0.54±0.48
mm in width. The average size of male pupa was 1.32 ± 0.32 mm, Ranging from 1.10
to 1.30 mm in length, and 0.58±0.09 mm, ranging from 0.40 to 0.70 mm in width.
The number of pupa obtained per parasitized larva were 82.63±24.14, ranging from 47
to 133 pupae.
Cocoon
The cocoon was stoutly constructed, white in color and measured 2.03±0.17
mm, ranging from 1.97 to 2.50 mm in length and 0.58±0.04 mm, ranging from 0.49 to
0.96 mm in maximum width. The cocoons of C. flavipes were closely packed with
white fluffy hair around the host larva (Figure 16).
Adult
The thorax and abdomen of C. flavipes were black in color, white the legs, at
antennae and mouthparts were light reddish-brown. The wings were mostly brown.
The head was large, black and shining. Sex differentiation could be detected by using
antennae and morphological characteristics of the abdomen. The female antenna
submoniliform, short, not as long as body and the abdomen was stout in shape with a
long ovipositor. The antenna of male filiform, longer than body and the abdomen
was slender, the average length of male and female from head to the tip of abdomen
were 1.32±0.12 mm, (ranging from 1.09 to 1.46 mm) and1.9±0.14 mm, (ranging from
1.58 to 1.97 mm), respectively. The wing expansion of male and female were 3.02±
0.15 mm, (ranging from 2.89 to 3.2 mm) and 3.96±0.18 mm, (ranging from 3.78±4.27
mm), respectively (Figure17 and 18).
42

Figure 15 Pupa of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)
43

Figure 16 The mass of cocoons of Cotesia flavipes (Comeron) around the
parasitized larva of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
44

Figure 17 Female adult of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)
45

Figure 18 Male adult of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron)
46

Duration of developmental periods
The adult parasite laid egg inside the host larva, and the incubation period is
about 1 to 2 days. The duration of development from egg to larva was 13.5±0.21
days. The prepupal stage took 1.75±0.62 days. The pupal stage took 5.70±0.45 days.
The longevity of male and female adult were 3.75±0.88 and 2.92±0.75 days
respectively. The total life cycle from egg to adult emergence was 20.14±1.17 days
under laboratory condition (28±2 o C and 75±2% RH), as shown in Table 11.
Behavior of adult
The adult of C. flavipes started to feed immediately after emergence. The
copulation occurred in a few minutes after emergence and lasted for about 1 to 2
minutes. Both sex exhibited polygamous mating habits. The adults of C. flavipes
showed positive phototaxis, and their activity increased in bright light. The adult
female attacked its host by using its legs to grasp the host larva and folded its
abdomen downward and simutaneously inserted the ovipositor into the host larva.
The oviposition was completed in about 15 to 32 seconds. Occasionally the adult
parasite would die in attempt for oviposition. The female adult could oviposit many
times. Parasitized larva continued their normal activity until 1 to 2 days before
parasite larvae came out. They stopped to feed and became inactive, the body turned
to pale-yellow in color by they remained alive for 1 to 2 days after all of perasite
larvae came out.
The investigation revealed that female adult of C. flavipes could be parasitized
larvae of sugarcane borers in each stage of development especially in the third to
fourth instars of C. tumidicostalis (Figure 19).
47

Table 11 Duration period of various developmental stages of Cotesia flavipes
(Cameron) under laboratory condition (28±2ºC and 75±2%RH).
Stage of development N Mean±S.D. Range
Egg:
(days)
(days)
Larval:
30 13.50±0.21 11-14
Prepupa: 24 1.75±0.62 1-2
Pupa: 24 5.70±0.45 5-6
Adult: Male 10 3.75±0.88 2-5
Female 14 2.92±0.75 2-4
Total: Life cycle 20.14±1.17 17-22
48

Figure 19 The female adult of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) parasitized on
larva of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
49

Description of Stages of Development of Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera :
Eulophidae)
Egg
The adult female of Tetrastichus sp. laid eggs in the pupae of C.
tumidicostalis. The average number of eggs were 87.52±65.09 and ranging from 22-
340 eggs.
Larva
The body of larva was white or pale yellow (Figure 20). They fed in the host
pupa until the pupation. The larva body was slightly slender at the anterior and
posterior end and the segmentation was distinct. The last stage before pupation was
pale brown and the average size was 0.17±0.22 mm, ranging from 0.69-1.84 mm in
length and 0.05±0.07 mm, ranging from 0.27-0.51 mm.
Pupa
The mature larva of Tetrastichus sp. was a short and rather stout shape and
pupation in the host pupa (Figure 21). The pupae were white became pale yellow and
became black before adult (Figure 22). Sex differentiation could be detected in the
pupal stage using morphological differentiation at the antenna. The average size of
female was 0.038±0.052 mm while that of the male was 0.03±0.04 mm.
Adult
The head and thorax of the adult of Tetrastichus sp. was shining black, the
abdomen and leg were red-brown to black, and the wings were clear. The female
adult was stout in shape especially the abdomen, while the male was slender (Figure
23, 24). Sex differentiation could be detected in the adult stage using morphological
differentiation at the antenna was geniculate, the antenna of female was dark-brown.
The antenna of male was longest than female and pedicel was biggest than female
and club was dark brown (Figure 25). The size of male was smaller than female. The
length from the head to abdomen of male and female adults were 1.62±1.89 mm,
ranging from 1.20-1.78 and 1.70±0.14 mm, ranging from 1.40-1.80 mm respectively.
The wings expansion were 2.51±0.02 mm, ranging from 2.00-2.75 mm and 2.81±
0.25 mm, ranging from 2.10-3.55 mm in male and female respectively.
50

Figure 20 Larvae of Tetrastichus sp.
51

Figure 21 Pupae of Tetrastichus sp. in pupa of Chilo tumidicostalis
52

Figure 22 The pupae of Tetrastichus sp. were white
became pale-yellow and became black
before adult
53

Figure 23 Female adult of Tetrastichus sp.
54

Figure 24 Male adult of Tetrastichus sp.
55

Figure 25 The antennae of Tetrastichus sp.:
male (A) and female (B)
A
B
56

Duration of developmental periods
The color of parasitized pupae was darker and become black. The longevity of
incubation period was 1-2 days. The longevity of egg stage to larval stage was 8.25±
0.64 days, ranging from 8-11 days. The prepupal stage was 1.75±0.44 days, ranging
from 1-2 days and pupal stage was 4.88±0.52 days, ranging from 5-6 days. The
longevity of male was 4.15±1.41 days, ranging from 2 to 6 days and that of the female
was 6.96±3.12 days, ranging from 2 to 12 days. The total life cycle from egg to adult
emergence was 20.50±3.74 days, ranging from 16 to 26 days. The number of adult
parasites emerged from one host pupa were 79.37±58.50, ranging from 25 to 337, as
shown in Table 12. The sex ratio of male to female was 1:2 under laboratory
condition.
Behevior of adult
Immediately after emergence the adult of Tetrastichus sp. started to feed and
mate, and a few hours later that it began to parasitize the host pupa. The female adult
walked around the host pupa before attacking by grasping a host pupa by their legs
and folded her abdomen downward, and then inserted the ovipositor into the host pupa
(Figure 26). The parasitization was completed in 20-30 minutes. The female adult of
Tetrastichus sp. laid egg into the host pupa. The larvae fed inside the host pupa until
pupation. The adult came out from the host pupa by making an emergence hole
(Figure 27). The parasites normally attacked newly pupated pupae and it could also
parasitize the pupae that was 4 days old. Tetrastichus sp. attacked pupae of
C. tumidicostalis.
57

Table 12 Duration period of various developmental stages of Tetrastichus sp. under
laboratory condition (28±2ºC and 75±2 % RH)
Stage of development N Mean±S.D.
Range
Egg:
(days)
(days)
Larval:
300 8.25±0.64 8-11
Prepupa: 10 1.75±0.44 1-2
Pupa: 10 4.88±0.52 5-6
Total: Egg to adult 10 14.95±0.59 14-16
Adult: Male 10 4.15±1.41 2-6
Female 10 6.96±3.12 2-12
Total: Life cycle 20.50±3.74 16-26
58

Figure 26 The female of Tetrastichus sp. inserted the ovipositer in to the
pupa for parasitization
59

Figure 27 The adult came out from the host pupa by making an
emergence hole
60

Population Study of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
The population study of sugar moth borer C. tumidicostalis was carried out at
Doembang Nangbuat, Suphan Buri Province from February 2001 to January 2002.
Graphical population models of larvae of C. tumidicostalis during 2001-2002 was
shown in Figure 28.
The graphical population models of C. tumidicostalis revealed the changes in
the population density of larvae of C. tumidicostalis. The population of sugarcane
moth borer C. tumidicostalis was lower during the first four moths of sugarcane and
the population increased there after. The population of C. tumidicostalis increased
during the last six months of sugarcane, its population was low during the yang shoot
stage of sugarcane.
The changes of population structure in terms of age structure were determined
at Doembang Nangbuat in 2001-2002. The age distribution of C. tumidicostalis was
shown in Figure 29. It was obvious that the adults of C. tumidicostalis moved into the
sugarcane field during the elongation stage. The egg population was high in July and
August 2001 and lowest in February to April and December to January. In June to
August the population consisted of larger instars larvae and pupae, and every stage of
C. tumidicostalis was found during July and August in 2001.
61

POPULATION DENSITY OF
Chilo tumidicostalis (LOG N)
4
3
2
1
0
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN
2001 2002
Figure 28 Population density of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) at
Doembang Nangbuat, Suphan Buri during February 2001
to January 2002
62

POPULATION DENSITY (LOG N+1)
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Egg
larval
pupal
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN
2001 2002
Figure 29 Age distribution of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) at
Doembang Nangbuat, Suphan Buri during February 2001
to January 2002
63

Assessment Potential of Natural Enemies of Chilo tumidicostalia (Hampson)
The assessment potential of C. flavipes as a biological control agent was
evaluated by percent parasitization. The total number of larvae of C. tumidicostalis
and the number of parasitized larvae by C. flavipes were calculated in term of percent
parasitization both in control and release plots. The percent parasitization in control
and release plots at Doembang Nongbuat and Dan Chang, Suphan Buri were
illustrated in Figure 30.
It was evident that parasitization in release plot was higher than in control
plots at Suphan Buri. Parasitization in plots showed in the period of growth of
sugarcane during February 2001 to January 2002, four month after release,
parasitization increased sharply in released plot. The highest peak of parasitization
was occurring in July and the highest parasitization level of C. tumidicostalis
increased as the total number of larvae increased, though the population of parasites
was low from February to April in 2001 and October 2001 to January 2002 of
investigation. The percent parasitization by C. flavipes during February 2001 to
January 2002 were 0, 0, 13.67, 15.36, 16.53, 47.21, 29.34, 31.48, 19.07, 13.42, 5.90
and 2.3 percent respectively in released plot and in control plot were 0, 0, 5.25, 10.17,
7.89, 29.95, 21.74, 12.69, 3.10, 9.09, 1.20 and 0 percent, respectively.
64

PERCENT PARASITIZATION
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Release
Control
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN
2001
2002
Figure 30 Percent parasitization of Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson)
larvae by Cotesia flavipes in release and control plots at
Suphan Buri in February 2001 to January 2002
65

DISCUSSION
Sugarcane moth borers complex were the most important insect pest of
sugarcane. Amomg of these C. infuscatellus, C. sacchariphagus and S. inferens play
as economic important pests of sugarcane and heavy damage occurred in many area of
sugarcane plantation (Suasa-ard, 1982).
The sugarcane moth borers, C. tumidicostalis was became serious pest of
sugarcane in few years ago this species was outbreak in many areas of sugarcane
plantation and outbreak in Sa Kaew and Buri Rum provinces, during 2000-2001.
The biological study of C. tumidicostalis revealed that the number of larval instars of
C. tumidicostalis varied from 5-7 instars. Most of them under gone 7 instars,
depending most probably on the moisture content and nutritional quality of the
sugarcane stem. When larvae were provided with new and fresh food they would
undergo 6-7 moults to reach stage of pupation. Larvae of C. tumidicostalis were
gregarious habit a lot of larvae feed on the same plant. The competition for food was
apparently a great influence to determine the number of larval instars and as well as
the duration of each larval instar. The variation thus observed on the larval
development of C. tumidicostalis was probably due to moisture, competition for
quality of food.
The study on biological life table and partial ecological life table were far from
adequacy and needed additional input. The method and rearing technique used in this
study must be refined because the larvae were internal feeders. Observation by means
of opening the stalk of sugarcane in physical disturbance and interfered with normal
activity of the larvae. The new and fresh food provided to them in the confined
container could also give undesirable effect. However, the mortality obtained was
relatively much lower than that observed under the field condition. Such a difference
could be contributed to the existence of other regulatory factors in the environment
under the field condition such as activity of the hymenopterous parasite, other
predators and other physical environmental factors.
The existence of strains of C. flavipes has been reported (Mohyuddin et al.,
1981) and investigation of the possibility of introducing such strains to increase the
rate of parasitism is envisaged. The survey and assessment of natural enemies of
C. tumidicostalis was shown C. flavipes was important larval parasites and percent
parasitization in released plot was higher than in control plots at Suphan Buri in
February 2001 to January 2002. Tetrastichus sp. was important pupal parasites. The
hymenopterous parasites were highly influential and considered important mortality
factors regulating on the population of C. tumidicostalis. However, the population
statistics obtained from this study could be of a great application in relation to
planning a pest management strategy for the satisfactory control of this pest.
Suasa-ard (1982), reported that the Doryctinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
and Temelucha philippinesis (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Ichnumonidae) were larval
parasites, Xanthopimpla sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was pupal parasite of
Chilo spp. but in this study was not found these parasites in the field but eggs
66

parasites; Telenomus sp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and Trichogramma chilotreae
Nagaraja and Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were found.
67

CONCLUSION
The investigation on biology of C. tumidicostalis, revealed that the
oviposition period of C. tumidicostalis was 1.91±0.69 days, ranging from 1 to 3 days.
The number of egg laid per female averaged 123.31±70.89 eggs, ranging from 5 to
250 eggs. The incubation period was 5.28±0.85 days, ranging from 4 to 7 days. The
larvae of C. tumidicostalis molted five to seven times before pupation, the total larval
periods of C. tumidicostalis with five, six and seven larval instars were 24.67±4.07,
33.43±4.46 and 37.3±2.76 days respectively. The full-grown larvae of
C. tumidicostalis pupated in the larval tunnels or in the leaf sheath of sugarcane. The
pupal staged took about 5 to 9 days. The longevity of male and female was 2 to 5 and
2 to 5 days respectively. The total life cycle from egg to adult of C. tumidicostalis
with the five-, six- and seven-instars larvae periods were 45.87±3.58, 54.57±4.55 and
58.13±3 .00days respectively.
The biological attributes calculated from the table were the net reproductive
rate of increase (Ro) = 28.5128. The capacity for increase (rc ) = 0.0779, the finite rate
of increase (λ) = 1.0821 and the cohort generation time (Tc) = 8.8897 days. It means
that a population of C. tumidicostalis could multiply = 28.5128 times in each
generation, or it could multiply 1.0821 times in every three days.
In the field survey of the natural enemies of sugarcane moth borers,
C. tumidicostalis, four species of hymenopterous parasites, few species of earwing,
which feed on egg of sugarcane borers, and some species of spiders were found.
Among the hymenopterous parasites, Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera:
Braconidae) was larval parasite; Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was
pupal parasite; Telenomus sp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and Trichogramma
chilotraeae Nagaraja & Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were egg
parasites. C. flavipes seem to play the most important role in the natural control of C.
tumidicostalis.
The changes of population structure in terms of age structure were determined
at Doembang Nangbuat in 2001-2002. The age distribution of C. tumidicostalis was
investigated. It was obvious that the adults of C. tumidicostalis moved into the
sugarcane field during the elongation stage of sugarcane. The egg population was
high in July and August 2001. During June to August the most of larvae population
consisted the medium and last instars larvae and pupae, and every stage of
C. tumidicostalis was found during July and August in 2001.
It was evident that parasitization in release plot was higher than in control
plots at Suphan Buri province. Four month after release, parasitization in release plot
increased sharply to in locations. The highest peak of parasitization was occurring in
July and the highest parasitization of C. tumidicostalis increased as the total number of
larvae increased, though the population of parasites was The percent parasitization by
C. flavipes during February 2001 to January 2002 were 0, 0, 13.67, 15.36, 16.53,
47.21, 29.34, 31.48, 19.07, 13.42, 5.90 and 2.30 percent, respectively in released plot
68

and in control plot were 0, 0, 5.25, 10.17, 7.89, 29.95, 21.74, 12.69, 3.10, 9.09, 1.20
and 0 percent, respectively.
It is indicated that the larval parasite C. flavipes as the promising biological
control agent for augmentative biological control of sugarcane moth borer especially
C. tumidicostalis in Thailand.
69

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