Life Cycle of Chilo partellus (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) on Maize Under Laboratory Conditions

Muhammad Abid,Zohair Abbas,Muhammad Khan,Ahmad Cheema,Faisal Mushtaq,Muhammad Ramzan,Muhammad Saleem,Malaika Javaid,Dawood Ahmed

doi:10.21608/eajbsa.2021.193359

Abstract

Maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) is considered a major threat for agricultural crops especially sorghum and maize and a main entomological research problem in the globe, especially in Pakistan. A study was conducted to check the life cycle of maize stem borer, C. partellus on maize under controlled conditions in 2019. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was recorded. The embryonic period was 4-6 days. The results showed that 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th instar period was 3.98 ± 1.00, 3.99 ± 2.76, 4.35 ±1.65, 4.15 ± 2.94, 5.23 ± 2.58 and 6.22 ± 2.37 days, respectively with 33.12± 9.25 days total larval period. Pupa was obtect and the fecundity was recorded 170-200 eggs per female. The pre-mating and mating period was lasted for 7-12 and 3-6 hours, respectively while the oviposition period lasted for 3-5 days. The total life cycle from egg to adult was 32-71 days. The current findings are very important in managing this pest on various crops around the globe especially in Pakistan.

Highlights

Maize, Zea mays belongs to family Gramineae is important third cereal crop after wheat and rice in the globe
Maize is considered an economically important cereal crop and 80% of maize production is consumed in the household as human food
The complete metamorphosis was observed in the maize stem borer, C. partellus

Summary

Introduction

Zea mays belongs to family Gramineae is important third cereal crop after wheat and rice in the globe. It is commonly known as “Queen of Cereals”. The production of maize is decreasing due to the attack of more than 150 insect species such as leafhopper; Pyrilla perpusilla, stem borer; Chilo partellus, pink borer; Sesamia inferense, stem fly; Atherigona orientalis and corn earworm; Heliocoverpa zea. Maize stem borer is the main threat in maize production (Sharma et al, 2010; Kfir et al, 2002), attack from sowing to harvesting. 15-60% losses have been reported, caused during a severe attack of maize stem borer (Khan, 1983). The female lays eggs on the leaves which causes lesions and early instar feed on the leaves

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Results

Conclusion