Characterization of Resistance to Limabean Pod Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Soybean

Abstract

In four tests conducted in summer through autumn 1987, soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, accession PI 227687 was consistently less damaged than the susceptible controls by the limabean pod borer, Etiella zinckenella (Trietsche). Damage by pod borers increased with increasing trichome density on pods. Seed size was not a decisive factor in pod borer damage in the resistant accession. Limabean pod borer laid significantly fewer eggs on PI 227687 plants than on ‘KS 9’ plants, a susceptible commercial cultivar. Significantly fewer larvae entered the pods of PI 227687 to feed on developing seeds than in the pods of ‘KS 9’. Pupation was reduced when larvae were fed on PI 227687 compared with ‘KS 9’. Pupae were significantly lighter in weight and the percentage successfully emerging into adults was Significantly lower when larvae were fed on PI 227687 rather than on ‘KS 9’. Oviposition nonpreference and antibiosis appeared to be the mechanisms of limabean pod borer resistance in PI 227687.

limabean pod borer, host plant resistance, soybean