Introduction

Stem borers are common pests that pose a significant threat to maize crops worldwide. These insects lay eggs on maize plants, and their larvae tunnel into the stems, causing substantial damage. Effective management of stem borers is crucial for safeguarding maize productivity and ensuring food security in agricultural regions globally.

                

Symptoms

Stem borers show several signs in plants. One main symptom is a "dead heart" in the center of the plant, where the central shoot dries up. This happens because larvae eat inside the stem after digging through the middle. You can also see small holes near the joints on the stem, which indicate where borers have been. Another sign is "shot holes" on leaves, caused by young larvae crawling on folded leaves and eating them. Inside affected stems, caterpillars may tunnel, causing more damage.

 

Preventive measures

Crop rotation is crucial; planting different crops disrupts the stem borer life cycle by reducing their numbers.

Early planting of maize helps avoid peak periods of stem borer activity, which minimizes potential crop damage.

Interplanting maize with crops that naturally repel, or trap stem borers can also deter infestations.

Supporting natural enemies like parasitic wasps, which prey on stem borers, contributes to biological control.

Applying insecticides should be done cautiously and according to safe local guidelines to effectively manage stem borer populations while minimizing environmental impact.

CHEMICAL CONTROL OF STEM BORER:

Plesiva Insecticide combines 7.3% Cyantraniliprole and 36.4% Diafenthiuron for effective pest control. Cyantraniliprole disrupts the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death, targeting a wide range of chewing and sucking pests. Diafenthiuron kills larvae, nymphs, and adults on contact, providing immediate knockdown. This dual-action approach ensures both systemic and contact control, managing pests at multiple stages of their life cycle. Plesiva effectively controls various pests, including stem borers in maize, promoting healthier and more productive crops. With thorough coverage and long-lasting pest control, Plesiva enhances crop health, leading to better yields and improved quality. The recommended dosage is 200ml/acre.

EM 1 Insecticide contains Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG, part of the Avermectin group known for insect control. It effectively combats pests through contact and stomach poison effects, and its translaminar action targets thrips under leaves. Its low residue makes it compatible with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. For one acre,80 grams of EM1 insecticide is adequate.

 

Voliam Flexi is an advanced insecticide designed to provide broad-spectrum protection for various crops. It combines two potent active ingredients: Chlorantraniliprole (8.8%) and Thiamethoxam (17.5%). Chlorantraniliprole works by paralyzing insects through its action on muscle cells, while Thiamethoxam acts systemically within plants, deterring pests from feeding. This dual-action formula is effective against both sucking and chewing pests, including those that have developed resistance. As a result, Voliam Flexi is widely recognized for its ability to support integrated pest management practices in agriculture. The recommended dosage is 240ml/acre.

Conclusion

We hope that this information will be helpful to you. By this information you can effectively manage the problems caused by stem borer using any of these insecticides. To get all kinds of information related to crops visit our website https://khethari.com / or give missed call to 6301876413.

NOTE

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and it should not be considered as any financial or legal advice. The watchers are adviced to do their own research before making any kind of decision.