Mulch As a Potential Management Strategy for Lesser Cornstalk Borer, Elasmopalpus Lignosellus (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), In Bush Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) (Report‪)‬

Lesser cornstalk borer (LCB), Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), is a polyphagous pest with a wide range of host plants including weeds, vegetable crops, and field crops (Funderburk et al. 1985). Larvae burrow into the stalk base near the soil surface, damaging vascular tissues resulting in "deadheart" symptoms and allowing pathogens to enter the plant (Smith & Ota 2002). The larval stage tunnels within stems and roots. Wilting is the first sign of an infestation in affected plants, followed by stunting, plant deformities, and a thin crop stand (Gill et al. 2009). Cultural control practices, including the use of cover crops and mulches, are environmentally safe methods for managing some specific insect pests (Prasifka et al. 2006; Schmidt et al. 2007; Teasdale et al. 2004; Tremelling et al. 2002), and may be applicable against LCB. Organic mulches may be derived from hay, straw, crop residues, pine needles, shredded bark, or other plant material that is readily available. Mulching is an effective way to provide shelter for predatory insects and to control weeds (Brown & Tworkoski 2004). Mulches help to maintain soil moisture required for plant vigor and to promote tolerance in plants to attack of insect pests (Johnson et al. 2004).