PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS OF STEM BORER INFESTATION ON MAIZE FIELDS IN HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC KATSINA

Abubakar Usman

Department of Agricultural Technology

College of Agriculture

Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina

E-mail:abubakar19usman64@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Maize is one of the most important staple food crops in Nigeria.  It is cultivated under a broad range of agro-ecological zones in the country.  Lepidopterous stem borers are the main insect pests that attack maize plant.  This study was conducted atHassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic Katsinato investigate stem borer infestations, damage and economic losses in maize at farmers’ fields.  Observation of stem borer infestation was done in four farms and a total of 2174 maize plants were observed randomly.  All the farms surveyed were infested by stem borer (Chilopartellus) with infestation between 29 – 43 per cent.  Larval feeding was observed on the leaves, growing points, stems and tassels.  Yield assessment indicates 15 per cent loss although this was despite the use of insecticide in the farms surveyed. Further study to provide empirical evidence of the economic status of the stem borer pest in the area is recommended.  Farmers should be informed on the possible measures to minimize the emergence of the adult borers that can assault the new crops in the next cropping seasons.

Key words: Preliminary investigation, stem borer, maize, Katsina.