This document discusses the maize stem borer pest, including its scientific classification, life cycle, damage caused, and management strategies. The maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) is one of the most destructive pests of maize and sorghum crops. It is found throughout South Asia and parts of Africa. The pest goes through 5-6 generations per year, with larvae tunneling into and feeding within maize stems. This can destroy central shoots and tassels, as well as bore into cobs to feed on grains. Management strategies discussed include cultural controls like removing infested plants, biological controls using parasitic wasps, and chemical controls using various insecticide applications.

2. ENT-506
AGRICULTURAL PESTS
AND THEIR
MANGEMENT
Agri.

3. Presentation
Title
Maize Stem Borer

4. Submitted To :
Dr.
Muhammad Asif
Farooq
University of Agriculture ,Faisalabad,
Burewala-Campus
Submitted By ;
Muhammad Ijaz
Muhammad Zain
Maharvi

5. MAIZE
STEM
BORER
• Chilo
partellus
Scientific
Name:
• PyralidaeFamily:
• LepidopteraOrder:

6. Status,
Distribution
Most destructive pest of
maize and sorghum creps.
All over maize cultivated
fields in Pakistan, India, Sri
Lanka. Afghanistan, Uganda,
Central and East Africa.

7. Hosts
Besides maize and sorghum
it is also found on
• Sugarcane,
• Bajra,
• Baru,
• Sudan grass
• Sarkanda,
other grasses

8. LIFE CYCLE
Larva is full-fed in14-
28days passing
through6stages.
After making holes in
the stem pupates inside
in March and lasts
for 5-10 days. Moths
emerge in early April.
No. of generations
per year:: 5-6
• A female lays more
than 300 eggs in overlapping
clusters each
• containing up to20eggs
in a life span of2-12days.
Eggs hatch in
• 4-5days in summer.

9. LIFE
HISTORY
Active period:
Breeds actively from March-April to September-October.
Inactive period:
For the rename period of year i.e. from November to February, hibernates
as full- grown larvae of last generation in maize and sorghum stubbles and
stalks or unshelled cobs. They remain there till the next spring.
'Period of optimum activity or damage: April and August

10. MODE OF
DAMAGE
Its newly hatched caterpillars during the early or initial stages of the crop start feeding on leaves leaving
behind holes. Later on the larvae bore their way downwards through the central whorl, reaching the growing
point of maize plant. As the whorl opens, more holes become visible indicating earlier attack. It also tunnels
in the stem. However it kills the central shoot and infested plants show the symptoms of Dead hearts.
At the tasselling stage, the borers destroy the tassels by feeding on them. At ear formation, the pest enters
the ear from its base and makes the tunnel in the Centre of the cob, and later feeds on grains as well.
In sorghum, the midribs are attacked by the young larvae and more than one plant is usually attacked. It also
attacks at the time of grain formation of sorghum and Bajra. It is serious pest of sorghum, particularly of
grain crop.
Although it causes equal damage to sorghum fodder but it is not generally noticed.
It is also serious pest of maize and about25-40%of youll,g plants are destroyed.
In severe infestation up to 90 % plants have been found damaged

11. Damage

12. CULTURAL
CONTROL
Destroy the stubbles of maize and sorghum, weeds and
alternate host
plants to reduce its population during next season.
Removal and destruction, of dead heats and attacked plants
showing
early pin-hole damage also reduces its attack.
Ploughing up of infested fields can suppress pest attack.
Use light traps to kill moths.
Collect and destroy the egg clusters.

13. BIOLOGICAL
CONTROL
Release of lab. reared
Trichogramma sp. when eggs are
seen along with
Apantelessp. or Microbraconsp.
adults when larvae are seen, will
provide effective control.

14. CHEMICAL
CONTROL
Ethoprophos (Mocap 5 G),20kg/acre.
Deltamethrin (Decis 2.5 BC), 200 m1/acre.
Triazophos (Hostathion 40 EC), 600 m1/acre.
carbofuralv(Curaterr/ Furadan / Sunfuran 3 G), 8 - 10 kg acre.
furathiocarb (Promet 400CS),40 ml/kg seed.
carbosulfan (Advantage 25ST),30 - 40 g/kg of seed .
Note : Application of granules in the whorls of the plants with the help of a
bottle having a few holes in its cap provides effective control.
Spray the crop 2-3 weeks after sowing or when its damage is seen Oil
the leave