Efficient mass rearing and infestation techniques to screen for host plant resistance to maize stem borers, Diatraea Sp.

This bulletin presents the techniques developed at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) for corn stem borer resistance. Three borer varieties were studied: the sugar cane borer, southwestern corn borer, and neotropical corn borer. Techniques for establishing and maintaining an insect colony are described, as are the requirements for efficient mass rearing: facilities; diets; containers; and procedures for handling the various life stages (adult, egg, larvae, pupae). A method of efficient, uniform field infestation is presented, along with a description of the rating scales and procedures for evaluating insect damage, and ways of identifying resistant genotypes. A 32-item bibliography (1960-83) is appended.