Effect of maize pith free phenols on larval growth and development of Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of four phenols previously identified at higher concentrations in maize resistant genotypes (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin) on the growth and development of S. nonagrioides larvae. Three different concentrations of each phenolic compound and a mixture of the four were evaluated. Data were recorded on larval and pupal weight, time to pupation and percentage of pupation and mortality. Growth and survival showed no significant differences between the larvae reared on diets with the different treatments and the control. It was concluded that these four compounds, although found in higher concentrations in resistant genotypes, were not toxic to S. nonagrioides in free form under laboratory conditions. Possible ways these compounds could be related with the S. nonagrioides resistance are discussed. © Academic Journals Inc.