Sorghum Stem Borer Research Articles

A Note on Some Ecological Aspects of the Sorghum Stem Borer in the Nuba Mountains, Sudan

This study was designed to collect some information about the sorghum stemborer in the Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan State. It was carried out during 2005/06and 2006/07 season, to determine the population dynamics and the alternative host plantsof the stem borer. Light trap was used for adult trapping, and a survey was carried out forhost plants. The number of adults was low at the beginning of the season (June),gradually increased towards the end of the season (October) and the borer disappearedby the end of November. Night activity of the adults was low at 7:00 pm and increasedgradually towards 10:00 pm. The highest infestation by stem borer (76%) was recordedon sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) followed by Sorghum arundinceum (adar) (63%),maize, Zea mays (50%) and pearl millet (33%)

Efficacy of granular insecticides against sorghum stem borer, Chilo Partellus (Swinhoe) in Sorghum

Efficacy of granular insecticides against sorghum stem borer, Chilo Partellus (Swinhoe) in Sorghum

Lipophilic profiling of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seedlings vis-à-vis Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) larvae reveals involvement of biomarkers in sorghum-stem borer interactions

Lipophilic metabolites play important role in the developmental process of insects, however, still there is no clarity on their involvement in plant resistance. Therefore, we carried out the lipophilic profile of host sorghum genotype seedlings and the Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) larvae, to understand the role and contribution of certain lipophilic metabolites in sorghum plant defense against the dreaded pest, spotted stem borer, C. partellus . There were variations in the form of presence or absence, along with significant differences in lipophilic metabolites across sorghum genotypes and the C. partellus larvae. The significantly higher contents of myristic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosanoic acid and behenic acid in resistant sorghum genotypes; and linolenic acid, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, lathosterol and squalene in C. partellus larvae were significantly lower than those fed on susceptible genotype, indicating their role in insect-plant biochemical disruptions. Myristic acid, methyl 3-methoxy-tetradecanoate, stearic acid, squalene, fucosterol, hexacontane, tetrapentacontane, palmitic acid, l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexa-decanoate, 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, lignoceric acid and stigmasterol in sorghum seedlings contributed to 60 to 100% variability in various biological and resistance parameters of C. partellus . However, myristic acid, linoleic acid, margaric acid, methyl 14-methylhexadecanoate, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, eicosanoic acid, gamma-ergostenol, cholesterol, lathosterol, squalene, 1-triacontanol and n-pentadecanol in C. partellus larvae contributed to 64 to 100% variability in various biological and resistance parameters of C. partellus . The myristic acid, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, palmitic acid, stearic acid and squalene present in both host plant and the test insect, contributed significantly to explain variability in resistance against C. partellus , thus could be used as biomarkers for sorghum-stem borer interactions.

Evaluation of Neem Dust Formulations for the Control of Sorghum Stemborers in the Semi-Arid Zone of Nigeria

Sorghum stemborer species remains key yield limiting factor for sorghum production in the Nigerian semi-arid region. When they can afford, farmers rely almost solely on synthetic insecticides for control. Owing to the misuse and environmental and health challenges attributed to the use of synthetic insecticides, a two-year field study was carried out at the University of Maiduguri Research Farm to evaluate the efficacy of various neem dust formulations for the control of Sorghum stemborers. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design and various neem dust formulations were compared with carbaryl dust and the control (untreated). All the insecticide treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced stalk and peduncle damage caused by stemborers with a resultant increase in grain yield when compared with the control. Neem Kernel Powder (NKP) + Finesand proved more superior in efficacy than all the other insecticide treatments in checking stemborer damage.

Field efficacy of entomofungal pathogens against sorghum stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)

Field efficacy of entomofungal pathogens against sorghum stem borer <i>Chilo partellus</i> (Swinhoe)

Population dynamics of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and its interaction with natural enemies in sorghum

Sorghum stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe is one of the serious pests of sorghum and maize crops in Asia and throughout East and South Africa. In India, it is becoming as the most damaging insect pest particularly in Dharwad region of north Karnataka by causing economic losses during kharif and rabi seasons. The observations on population dynamics of egg masses, larvae, pupae, number of plant damaged and parasitic interactions of natural enemies with larvae and pupae of C. partellus were recorded at weekly interval at Dharwad (Karnataka). The stem borer population was significantly higher in kharif than in rabi-summer crop. The larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes was found to be very active in kharif season and maximum parasitization of 29% was recorded in November whereas Sturmiopsis inferens was prevalent during rabi-summer crop and maximum parasitization of 28% was recorded during February. A population of 2% pupal parasitoid, Tetrastichus sp., was also recorded during kharif season. Keywords: Biological control, Chilo partellus, population dynamics, stem borer.

Population dynamics of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and its interaction with natural enemies in sorghum

Sorghum stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe is one of the serious pests of sorghum and maize crops in Asia and throughout East and South Africa. In India, it is becoming as the most damaging insect pest particularly in Dharwad region of north Karnataka by causing economic losses during kharif and rabi seasons. The observations on population dynamics of egg masses, larvae, pupae, number of plant damaged and parasitic interactions of natural enemies with larvae and pupae of C. partellus were recorded at weekly interval at Dharwad (Karnataka). The stem borer population was significantly higher in kharif than in rabi -summer crop. The larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes was found to be very active in kharif season and maximum parasitization of 29% was recorded in November whereas Sturmiopsis inferens was prevalent during rabi -summer crop and maximum parasitization of 28% was recorded during February. A population of 2% pupal parasitoid, Tetrastichus sp., was also recorded during kharif season.

INFLUENCE OF GROWTH MEDIA ON PATHOGENICITY OF METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE ( METSCH) SOROKIN AGAINST CHILO PARTELLUS ( SWINHOE)

ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken to evaluate various liquid growth media viz sabouraud dextrose, sabouraud sucrose, sabouraud maltose supplemented with yeast extract, potato dextrose and coconut water derived coniospores and blastospores on sorghum stem borer Chilo partellus ( Swinhoe)Among the media, the conidia harvested from sabouraud maltose yeast extract broth ( SMYB),potato dextrose broth and coconut water were found to be pathogenic to all the larval instars of C.partellus. However, blastospores derived from none of the media did cause mortality

Short communication. Screening of sorghum genotypes for resistance to damage caused by the stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)

Twenty sweet sorghum and three grain sorghum -Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench- genotypes were tested for resistance to the damage caused by the sorghum stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) under infested field conditions in the Dharwad region of northern Karnataka, India. Five different types of damage were taken into account: leaf scraping, dead heart, pinhole, peduncle and stem tunnelling damage. Genotype SSV-7073 was found to be the most resistant with respect to all the damage types studied. In addition, the genotypes Nandyal, SSV-53, SSV-6928, HES-4 and IS-2312 showed little peduncle and stem tunnelling damage. These genotypes might be considered potentially resistant varieties and may serve as material of interest in sorghum improvement programmes.

Management of witchweed, Striga hermonthica, and stemborers in sorghum, Sorghum bicolor, through intercropping with greenleaf desmodium, Desmodium intortum

On-station and on-farm studies were conducted in western Kenya to assess the potential role of greenleaf desmodium, Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb., in a combined control strategy for witchweed, Striga hermonthica, and cereal stemborers in sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.). Treatments consisted of sorghum plots intercropped with D. intortum (intercrop), with sorghum monocrop plots (monocrop) serving as control. There were highly significant reductions in both S. hermonthica emergence (by up to 89% in the on-farm and 100% in the on-station trials) and the proportion of stemborer-damaged plants (by up to 85% in the on-farm and 67% in the on-station trials) in the intercrop compared to the monocrop in both trials during most of the study period. The sorghum plants were also significantly taller in the intercrop (by up to 88% in the on-farm and 58% in the on-station trials) than in the monocrop plots. Moreover, grain yields were significantly higher in the former (by up to 63% in the on-farm and 140% in the on-station trials) in both trials throughout the study period. These results demonstrate that intercropping sorghum with D. intortum offers an effective control of both pests, leading to higher grain yields.

Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis Var. Kurstaki against Sorghum Stem Borer, Chilo parellus (Swinhoe)

The experiment was conducted to test efficacy of Bacillus thuringlensis products in comparison with recommended conventional insecticide against sorghum stem borer, Chilo parellus (Swinhoe) at Sorghum Research Unit, Dr. P. D. K. V., Akola. The result revealed significant superiority of Bacillus thurillgiellsis and endosulfan treatments at one to three sprays than untreated control in case of leaf injury. In case of peduncle damage, application of two sprays of Bacillus thuringlensis (@ 1 kg/ha) on 25 th and 35 th , day was on par with three sprays of both endosufan and Bacillus tirurillgiellsis. Similarly on the basis of grain yield, three sprays of Bt recorded maximum grain yield and it was significantly higher than untreated control and also the treatment viz. one spray of Bacillus thuringlensis or endosulfan.

Farmers' perceptions of sorghum stem-borer and farm management practices in eastern Ethiopia

A survey of 90 farmers, randomly selected over six sorghum-growing districts in eastern Ethiopia was carried out during July to August, 2001 in the long rainy season. The study investigated farmers' perceptions of the importance of stem-borer and farm practices influencing the pest. Sorghum farming was characterized by smallholdings with an average land size of 4.3 ha, an average family size of 6 and an average yield of 878 kg ha − 1. Farmers cited pests, drought, and shortage of seed, land and labour as the main constraints upon sorghum production. Stem-borers were perceived to be the major pests requiring control. The majority of the farmers never applied chemical insecticides against stem-borers due to lack of capital and unavailability of insecticides. Because of restricted access to improved varieties, farmers largely used local cultivars of sorghum selected for yield potential but with little emphasis on insect resistance. Very few farmers destroyed sorghum residues after harvest. The majority of farmers grew sorghum under intercropping mainly due to the high yield expected. Crop rotation in sorghum fields was not widely practised due to land shortage.

Seasonal fluctuations of Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitism in borers of sorghum and sugarcane in southern India

Field experiments were carried out at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu State, India, for four consecutive years (1990-94), to monitor the seasonal activity of Cotesia flcivipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of gramineous borers, including the sugarcane shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus Snellen), sugarcane internode borer (Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur) and sorghum stemborer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) (all Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The highest levels of parasitism (0.0–17.9%) were recorded on Ch. partellus followed by Ch. sacchariphagus indicus (0.0–8.3%) and Ch. infuscatellus (0.0–1.1%). The parasitoid was collected in Ch. partellns and Ch. sacchariphagus indiens in all the four study years, whereas it was not observed in Ch. infuscatellus during 1993-94. Parasitism rates in Ch. partellus were positively correlated with minimum temperature and afternoon RH. In Ch. sacchariphagus indiens, parasitism levels showed significant negative correlation with minimum temperature. Parasitism rates in Ch. sacchariphagus indidus larvae collected during harvest from seven sugar factory areas of Tamil Nadu State were lower in 1992-93 (0.0–1.8%) and higher in 1993-94 (0.0–3.2%) than those recorded at Coimbatore in the corresponding period (December-March). Cotesia flavipes was the only larval parasitoid recorded from the borers both at Coimbatore and the seven sugar factory areas surveyed in Tamil Nadu.

Interactions of host plant resistance and biological control of stemborers in sorghum

Lepidopteran stemborers are major limiting factors in the production of maize and sorghum in Africa and Asia. Host-plant resistance and biological control are important components of an IPM programme and can effectively maintain pest populations below economic threshold levels, especially in low-input subsistence farming systems. When damaged by herbivores, plants produce allelochemicals which can attract natural enemies of the pest. These volatiles occur systematically throughout the plant and are different from those emitted in response to mechanical damage. We report evidence of plant volatiles-mediated differential reaction of parasitoid activity to sorghum genotypes. These volatiles could have a positive impact on the efficacy of stemborer parasitoids, leading to increased host finding or increased searching efficiency, thereby enhancing the suppression of stemborer populations. In a single-season case study, parasitoid activity was higher in stemborer-resistant genotypes than in susceptible ones and varied with crop age. Knowledge of such interactions should be explored and intensified by plant breeders and chemical ecologiste aiming at producing plant materials possessing appreciable levels of resistance to stemborers and able to encourage natural enemy activity in cereal-based ecosystems.

Antifeedant activity of Piper guineense Schum &amp; Thonn. Amides against larvae of the sorghum stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)

Six amide alkaloids of Piper guineense were tested for antifeedant activity against fifth instar larvae of Chilo partellus in choice assays. These amides include piperine, Δα, β-dihydropiperine, wisanine, Δα, β-dihydrowisanine, trichostachine and N-isobutyl-trans-2-trans-4-eicosadienamide. Piperine and its dihydrosaturated derivative exhibited the most potentantifeedant activity. Δα, β-dihydrowisanine and trichostachine were intermediate in activity followed by wisanine. The N-isobutyl derivative was the least active. These results suggest that the presence of a methylenedioxybenzene and an alicyclic amide group in the compound may be crucial for high antifeedant activity.

Biometrical observations on sorghum stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) under fluctuating and constant temperature conditions

Effect of fluctuating and constant temperatures on different population growth parameters of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) infesting sorghum was studied in the laboratory. On the basis of intrinsic rate of natural increase (m) values, the optimum constant and fluctuating temperatures for the multiplication of this pest was 30 ± 1°C and 31.0 to 35.8°C, respectively. But the favourable range of temperature varied from 27.5 to 30.0°C under both constant and fluctuating temperature conditions. Mean length of generation (T) at this range of temperature varied from 38 to 41 days. It seems that Chilo partellus may not persist at or above 40°C and below 20°C, as the rm values at these temperatures were negligible or zero. This information can be used in working out the strategy for controlling Chilo partellus.

Influence of season and weather factors on the occurrence of the sorghum stem borerChilo partellus(Swinhoe) in Tamil Nadu

Abstract Stem borer attack varied significantly on sorghum sown during different fortnights, ranging from 4.7 to 24.0% and 9.5 to 37.4% at 30 and 45 days after sowing (d.a.s.) respectively. The crop sown during the first fortnight of March was highest, followed by that sown in the second fortnight of February, in terms of stem borer damaged plants, damage rating, percentage dead hearts and percentage stem tunnelling. The least damage was in the crops shown during the second fortnight of June and of October. There was an indication that for every 1°C reduction in minimum temperature, there was a decrease of 1.69% stem borer damage at 30 d.a.s. At 45 d.a.s. none of the weather elements significantly contributed to the damage. During the summer the duration of egg to adult period of C. partellus on sorghum was significantly shorter at 39.48 days than in winter when it was 56.5 days. Double the rate of fecundity and higher fertility rate was also observed in summer.

Influence of intercropping legumes with sorghum on the infestation of the stem borer,Chilo partellus(Swinhoe) in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract Growing sorghum in association with cowpea or lablab reduced sorghum stem borer infestation. On sorghum as a pure crop, 32.6% stem borer damage was recorded, while intercropped with lablab or cowpea it was 9.2 and 16.4% respectively. Sorghum raised with lablab or cowpea yielded 4652 and 4567 kg of grain per ha respectively while pure sorghum yielded 3509 kg. When the phytochemicals extracted from the legumes lablab or cowpea were sprayed on sorghum they prevented oviposition by gravid females of C. partellus for up to six days.

Intensity levels of stem-borers in maize and sorghum and the effect on yield under different intercropping patterns

At harvest taller plants of both sorghum and maize produced a greater grain yield, but under intercropping conditions maize always out-yielded sorghum when planted at the same time, whether the sorghum was planted in the same hill as maize, or in alternate hills, or in alternate rows. There were generally more stem-borers in sorghum than in maize, with Chilo partellus predominating. Intercropping increased the level of stem-borers in maize, while infestation was very low in pure stands of maize, and the level of borer infestation in sorghum remained the same. Borers had a considerable effect on yield of maize at Mbita Point, on the shores of Lake Victoria: an infestation level of 38–52% of internodes bored resulted in significant yield loss. Implications of these results for predicting yield reduction due to stem-borers is discussed.

Effect of Lindane in Controlling the Sorghum Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and Their Persistence in Sorghum

In sorghum, whorl application of Lindane 6 G on 25th DAS recorded the least stem borer damage. Whort application of Lindane 6G 0.37 kg ai./ha on 25th day + 0 45 kg a/ha on 35th day (or) Lindane 6 G 0,45 ko ai/ha on 25th day + 0.45 kg al./ha on 35th day registered less leaf injury, dead hearts. percentage of tunnelling and higher yield. There was a continuous absorption of lindane by sorghum plant upto 15 days following the treatment. The presence of lindane residues in grains in thsee treatments clearly indicates that lindane gets translocated from the treated sorghum plants to grains, which ranged from 0,40 to 0.77 ppm in grain, from 0.05 to 1,04 ppm in straw and these residues were less than the tolerance limit of 3 ppm.