Integrated pest management of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in maize crop and its impact on yield

Abstract

Two years studies on integrated pest management of maize stem borer, Chilo parttellus in maize and its impact on yield were conducted during the crop seasons 2008 and 2009 at the Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera. In these trials, different control methods viz. cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical alone and in combination of all as IPM (Integrated Pest Management) as compared to control conditions were applied for the control of maize stem borer. The results showed that all the control methods were found significantly effective in reducing maize stem borer infestation in maize crop. Maize stem borer infestation was significantly lower in IPM treatment with 2.32% and 2.77% followed by chemical 3.68% and 3.47% as compared to control 12.92% and 7.70% during 2008 and 2009, respectively. The highest grain yield was obtained from plots treated with IPM 8.64 ton/ha and 5.81 ton/ha as compared to control 6.23 ton/ha and 3.63 ton/ha during 2008 and 2009 respectively. It is concluded that IPM is one of the best method for control of maize stem borer and obtaining the highest yield.