A study of the pest status and control of maize stem borers on the Niassa Plateau, Mozambique

Published source details Davies G. (1998) A study of the pest status and control of maize stem borers on the Niassa Plateau, Mozambique. International Journal of Pest Management (formerly PANS Pest Articles & News Summaries 1969 - 1975, PANS 1976-1979 & Tropical Pest Management 1980-1992), 44, 225-234.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Alter the timing of insecticide use Action Link

Alter the timing of insecticide use

A randomised, replicated, controlled study in 1993-1994 in northern Mozambique (Davies 1998) found similar numbers of stem borers (Noctuidae) in plots of maize Zea mays treated with insecticide at 0-40, 40-80 and 80-120 days after planting, and between 120 days and harvest (1.1, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 borers/plant, respectively). Plots treated at 0-40 days after planting had more stem borers than controls treated throughout the growing season (0.03 borers/plant), but plots treated at other times had similar pest numbers to continuously treated controls. There was no difference in the percentage of stems infested (15-39%) or plants lost (42-48%) to stem borers for any of the treatments and controls. Yield was greater in plots treated after 40-80 days (4.8 t/ha) than in plots treated at other specific times (2.5-3.9 t/ha), but was similar to continuously treated controls (4.5 t/ha). Plots treated after 0-40 days (2.5 t/ha) and between 120 days and harvest (2.6 t/ha) had lower yields than continuously treated controls. Cyhalothrin insecticide was applied weekly in each time period. Each treatment was replicated four times in plots of four maize rows, 5 m long. Stem borer larvae and pupae were counted on 10 plants/plot at 120 days after planting.