Study

Efficacies of habitat management techniques in managing maize stem borers in Ethiopia

  • Published source details Belay D. & Foster J.E. (2010) Efficacies of habitat management techniques in managing maize stem borers in Ethiopia. Crop Protection, 29, 422-428.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Combine trap and repellent crops in a push-pull system

Action Link
Natural Pest Control
  1. Combine trap and repellent crops in a push-pull system

    A replicated, controlled study in 2004-2005 in Sibu-Sire, Ethiopia (Belay & Foster 2010) found similar stem borer infestation in maize Zea mays grown in a push-pull system (averaging 10-14% plants infested) and a monoculture control (10-19%) at harvest. Stem borer (Noctuidae and Crambidae) larvae densities were low, but fewer occurred in the push-pull system (0.05 borers/plants) than control (0.18 borers/plant) in 2005. Numbers were similar between treatments (0.3-0.4 borers/plant) in 2004. Cob damage was also similar between push-pull (0.3-0.7% cob surface damaged) and control (0.4-0.8%) systems in both years. Stem tunnelling by stem borers was scarcer in the push-pull (0.8%) than control (1.9%) system in 2005, but similar in 2004 (0.3 vs. 0.5%). Yield was similar between the push-pull (2.4-3.3 t/ha) and control (2.0-4.6 t/ha) systems in both years. The push-pull system used greenleaf desmodium Desmodium intortum between maize rows and three rows of Napier grass Pennisetum purpureum (of 50 cm width) along plot margins. The control comprised maize only. The push-pull system and control were tested at seven sites (0.5 ha) in 0.25 ha plots each. Infestation and yield were measured in four 4 x 4 m areas/plot, damage was assessed for 20 randomly selected plants.

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