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How to control borer in sorghum?

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Sorghum is an important cereal crop that is grown in many parts of the world. It is used for food, livestock feed, and even as a biofuel. However, sorghum is susceptible to attack by pests such as borers, which can cause significant yield losses. In this article, we will discuss how to control borer in sorghum.

What are Borers?

Borers are the larvae of moths and beetles that bore into the stems, leaves, and heads of sorghum plants. There are several types of borers, the most common of which are the maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) and the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis).

Borer Infestation

Borer infestation can be detected by the presence of ‘dead heart’ symptoms, which refer to the presence of dry leaves and stems at the centre of the sorghum plant. It is important to note that the earlier the infestation, the more damage it will cause.

Prevention

Preventative measures are the key to controlling borer infestation. Farmers should ensure that they plant healthy and strong seedlings that are at least 45 days old. Additionally, farmers should ensure that they practice crop rotation. Crop rotation involves changing the crop variety every season. This helps to reduce the build-up of pest populations.

Cultural Control Practices

There are a number of cultural practices that farmers can adopt to control borer infestation. These include:

– Inter-cropping with legumes such as cowpeas and beans – these act as a repellent.
– Use of pheromone traps – these are traps that attract and capture male moths, preventing mating and egg-laying.
– Use of light traps – these are traps that attract and kill adult moths.
– Timely planting – this involves planting crops at the right time, to avoid the borer’s peak attack period.
– Regular weeding – this practice helps to remove alternative host plants for the borer.

Chemical Control Practices

Chemical control practices involve the use of pesticides. It is important to note that the efficacy of these pesticides can be reduced due to the development of resistance by the borer. Farmers should also take care not to harm beneficial insects, such as pollinators.

The use of pesticides should always be used as a last resort. Farmers should always follow the recommended dose, apply the pesticide at the right stage of crop development, and adhere to the recommended safety precautions to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.

In conclusion, borer infestation can cause significant yield losses in sorghum. It is therefore important for farmers to adopt preventative and cultural control practices. Chemical control practices should only be used as a last resort. With the right practices, farmers can successfully control borer infestations and maximize yield.

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