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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #104165
Title: EVALUATION OF OIL-SOLUBLE DYES FOR MARKING EUROPEAN CORN BORER LEPIDOPTERA: CRAMBIDAE

Author
item HUNT, THOMAS - HASKELL AGRICULTURAL LAB
item Hellmich Ii, Richard
item Dyer, Jeanette
item HIGLEY, LEON - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
item WITKOWSKI, JOHN - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Marking insects is often necessary for learning about insect biology. In this study we evaluated several types of internal dyes for marking European corn borer adults. We found three dyes that were effective. This information will be useful for basic scientists who are interested in studying moth behavior, and for agricultural scientists who wish to learn better ways to control economically important moths.

Technical Abstract: Mark-release and recapture techniques often are used to examine dispersal and movement of insects. A requisite for these techniques is a marking method that does not significantly affect the biology and behavior of the target organism. In this study we examined the effects of Sudan Blue 670 (reduced concentration from previously published) on European corn borer pupation, fecundity, and adult life span; the effects of Sudan Red IV on corn borer pupation and adult life span; and the effects of Sudan Orange, Sudan Red 7B, and Neutral Red on corn borer fecundity and adult life span. Incorporation of Sudan Blue 670, Sudan Red IV, and Sudan Red 7B dyes into larval diets at 0.4 gm dye/liter diet satisfactorily colored the adults and had no significant effect on the measured parameters. Although these evaluations focused on marking adult European corn borers, it appears the dyes also are effective for egg mass marking, and this should be further examined. Sudan Blue 670, Sudan Red IV, and Sudan Red 7B are appropriate for use as internal markers for mass labeling European corn borer adults.