Biology of Maize Stem Borer Chilo partellus [Swinhoe] under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Maize is one of the main cereal crops that is grown worldwide for food, fodder, and raw materials. It's a great source of vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Because of the daily attacks by over 250 insect species and mites, maize yield is declining. The most damaging insect pest to maize production is Chilo partellus, sometimes known as the maize stem borer. A laboratory setting was used to grow the corn stem borer, C. partellus, in Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. during 2023. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was recorded in C. partellus. The egg incubation period was 3.80 ± 0.79 days on average. There were six larval instar of C. partellus and total larval period was 29-37 days. The development phase of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth larval instar was 3-4, 4-6, 6-7, 7-8, 7-8 and 2-4 days respectively on maize leaves. The average pupal period was 7.00±0.96 days. The female was long lived than male. The total developmental period from egg to adult was 37-51 days.