Alternate crop and weed host plant oviposition preferences by the Mexican rice borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

► Several weeds and forage plant species are ranked in order of Mexican rice borer oviposition preference. ► Factors that contribute to observed oviposition preference are included. ► Three important host crop plants are ranked in terms of Mexican rice borer oviposition preference. ► First report identifying corn as likely source of substantial Mexican rice borer populations in the sugarcane and sorghum growing areas of south Texas