The geographical distribution of moth stem borers (Lep.: Crambidae & Noctuidae) in paddy fields of Iran

Stem borers are major pests attacking paddy fields during all its growth stages. In this study, the geographical distribution of moth stem borers (Lep.: Crambidae & Noctuidae) was determined in paddy fields of 16 provinces, Iran, during 2015-2016. The specimens were collected by light, malaise and pheromone traps. Six stem borer species in paddy fields; including five from Crambidae (Chilo partellus, C. luteellus, C. suppressalis, C. phragmitella and Scirpophaga praelata)and one belonging to Noctuidae, (Sesamia sp.) were recognized. The striped stem borer (C. suppressalis) and Sesamia sp. were identified as serious rice stem borers in Iran. Chilo suppressalis was recorded for the first time from five provinces: Khorasan-e Razavi, Qazvin, Zanjan, Chaharmahal Bakhtiari and Azarbayejan-e Sharqi. Damage by a Sesamia species was reported from Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad, Esfahan, Ilam and Ardebil provinces for the first time. According to the current results and unavailability of type specimens for this species, previous report of the presence of white stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata)in Iran is dubitable. The findings provided key and basic distribution information of all six stem borer species which can be used for controlling tactics through IPM programs against the pests in each region.