The Epizootiology of Nosema Pyrausta (Paillot) in The European Corn Borer, Ostrinia Nubilalis, in Central Illinois

Nosema pyrausta (Paillot), a microsporidium, is a chronic pathogen of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). A four year study was conducted in Woodford County, Illinois, from 1980 through 1983 in order to elaborate the relationship between corn borer density and the incidence of N. pyrausta. Factors contributing to the mortality of both generations of the corn borer are presented as partial life tables. First generation infection levels were determined primarily by the transovarial input from the first moth flight, while second generation infection levels were determined by the interaction between horizontal transmission and the first generation input of N. pyrausta. An empirical threshold for horizontal transmission was calculated for the second generation corn borers. Horizontal transmission increased when the average weekly density exceeded 50 borers per 100 corn stalks, but the initial inoculum of the pathogen also plays an important role in determining the level of N. pyrausta.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Entomology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Siegel, Joel Philip

• Biology, Entomology

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8521879

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/71097