D3275: Evaluating the oviposition behavior of corn earworm on hemp

Finding and choosing a good site for oviposition is a challenging task for females of herbivorous insects. Her decision has far-reaching and profound consequences for the life history of her offspring. This study evaluated the oviposition preference of corn earworm (CEW), Helicoverpa zea, between hemp varieties and corn. A two-choice oviposition test was conducted to evaluate the oviposition behavior of CEW. Oviposition preference bioassay was conducted by presenting a pair of treatments (hemp varieties versus non-BT corn) to mated female CEW moths in black cloth cages. The two hemp varieties used in this experiment were Trump and Mountain mango. Female CEW moths preferred to lay significantly more eggs on the two hemp varieties than the corn plant. Our laboratory study provided insight that CEW chose hemp varieties for oviposition. Plant chemical and physical characters may act as recognition cues for ovipositing female insects. To substantiate the obtained result, we will collect the headspace volatiles and study their role in attracting or repelling females CEW.