As summer sets in and farmers gear up for the planting season, one pest that they dread the most is the maize borer, as it has been known to cause significant damage to maize crops. The maize borer attacks the maize plant’s stem, which not only causes physical damage to the plant but also allows entry for secondary infections that accelerate plant degradation. Given that maize is a crucial crop in many parts of the world, controlling its damage is essential.
Here are some tips on controlling the maize borer attack on summer maize crop:
1. Early planting: Planting maize early in the season may help reduce the maize borer infestation, as the larvae of the pest cannot survive in colder temperatures. Additionally, planting early in the season may help the maize plant mature and reach higher yields before being significantly impacted by pests.
2. Crop rotation: Crop rotation is an effective method to control the maize borer infestation. Planting different crops in a particular field reduces the population of maize borer in the soil by reducing their food source. The root structure of other crops also stimulates the growth of beneficial insects that inhibit pests like the maize borer.
3. Use of resistant maize varieties: The use of resistant maize varieties is one of the most effective ways of controlling the maize borer. Hybrid maize varieties like DKC 90-92 are known to be resistant to the borer and the associated infections that follow. Resistant maize varieties eliminate the need for frequent chemical treatments and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
4. Insecticide application: Pesticide application is a widely used method to control the maize borer infestation. The application of insecticide at an early stage can help in controlling the borer effectively. Chemical treatments, however, require proper safety precautions like wearing of recommended protective gear and following label instructions.
5. Plant monitoring: Regular plant monitoring to identify maize borer attack is essential. Early detection of the pest infestation allows for timely intervention or change of strategies to prevent significant damage to the crop. Monitoring can be done by observing physical indicators of infestation like holes along the stem, sawdust-like frass, and disrupted plant growth.
In conclusion, the use of integrated pest management approaches may be more effective in controlling the maize borer infestation than a single control measure. Farmers should consider the available options, including the use of resistant maize varieties, crop rotation, timely planting, and monitoring, to keep the maize borer at bay and achieve maximum yield. With the rising demand for maize as food and feed worldwide, controlling the maize borer is a critical aspect of ensuring food security.