Effect of phosphorus fertilizer on the corn stem borer, Sesamia cretica Led. infestation

The corn stem borer Sesamia cretica Led. (Lepidoptera. Noctuidae) is one of the most important corn pests in Iran. Chemical control of this pest is rather difficult due to larval living inside the corn stem. As the role of nutrients is critical in plant resistance to pests, adequate crop fertilization can be a good preventive measure to control this pest. Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential elements required for plant’s performance, otherwise its limitation can impose severe consequences on cellular function and the growth rate. In the current study, the effect of different phosphorus fertilizer formulations was conducted on the corn stem borer infestation in a randomized block design of field conditions. Stem borer infestations were evaluated by the number of dead hearts and the percentage of infested stalks. The establishment of larvae under the greenhouse conditions were investigated. Results showed that the lowest and highest dead hearts were related to the application of P slow release fertilizer treatment with 1.15 % and the control treatment with 4.53 %. A significant decrease in infestation was observed when the slow-release phosphorus treatment by 10% stem compared to control and other treatments. Minimal and maximal percentages of larval establishment were observed in slow-release phosphorus treatment with 10% larvae and control with 57.5% larvae per plant respectively. Based on the results of this research, application of slow-release phosphorus fertilizer in corn stem borer management is recommended.