Influence of Sowing Dates, Varying Hybrids of Maize, Zea mays L. and Application of some Insecticides on the Population Density of the Greater Sugarcane Borer, Sesamia cretica Led. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Study was conducted to investigate effect of sowing dates and varying maize hybrids on population density of S. cretica in farm at Nubariya district, Beheira governorate, Egypt during seasons, 2018 and 2019. Five maize hybrids viz., yellow three ways cross 352, yellow single cross 168, white single cross 122, white single cross 10 and white single cross 128 were tried on three sowing dates viz. 1st April, 15th April and 1st May. Results showed that, population of S. cretica (eggs and larvae) was highest in early sown crop (1st April) while was least in late sown maize (1st May). Also, none of tested hybrids showed immunity or high resistance and S.C.128 hybrid was more resistant to larvae (minimum dead heart percent), while T.W.C.352 hybrid was more sensitive to S. cretica (maximum dead heart percent). Five hybrids can be arranged in ascending order according to their susceptibility (population density of eggs, larvae and infested percentages) as follow: T.W.C.352, S.C.168, S.C.122, S.C.10 and S.C.128. These results were repeated in both seasons study. Five insecticides were tested for their efficacy against S. cretica under field conditions. All treatments were found effective in reducing larvae and protecting plants compared with control. Insecticide Emamectin benzoate was found best, led to minimum number of larvae followed by Chlorantraniliprole and Lufenuron, respectively. While, radiant resulted lowest. On the other hands, Chlorantraniliprole was found best, led to minimum infested followed by Emamectin benzoate.