Diet suitability through biological parameters in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) clades

Abstract The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis , (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a significant threat to corn crops, necessitates comprehensive research on its populations, across multiple clades. This study addresses the efficacy of various diets, such as an antibiotic mixed diet of amoxicillin mixed with artificial diet, wheat germ flour artificial diet and fresh corn leaves, for the successful mass rearing of three clades of O. furnacalis , and investigates variations among the insects reared under laboratory conditions. We validate these findings for O. furnacalis clades using biological attributes. Notably, clade III demonstrated enhanced biological characteristics with an antibiotic mixed diet, in contrast to clades I and II, with higher growth indexes observed during mass rearing. Through revealing a suitable diet for the clade, this research advances our understanding of O. furnacalis dynamics and offers valuable insights for practical applications in an integrated pest management program.