Effectiveness of stem borer control on the yield of maize (Zea Mays L.) in South Eastern Agro - Ecological Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Field trials were carried out at Umudike South eastern Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, in the 2002 and 2003 cropping seasons to evaluate the effectiveness of stemborer resistant maize varieties, AMA–TZBR-WCI, TZBR--ELD3 and FARO 23 + FURADAN in protecting maize (Zea mays L) against stem borer infestation. During both years, it was found that the percentage stems bored, dead heart and grain loss were significantly (P<0.05) lower in AMA-TZBR-WCI, TZBR--ELD3 and FARO 23 + FURADAN when compared with the control; with AMA-TZBR-WCI being the lowest. It was also found that AMA-TZBR-WCI has the highest monetary gain of N90,000/ha and N95,300/ha in 2002 and 2003 respectively, when compared with the control(N25,000/ha and N27,200/ha in 2002 and 2003, respectively). Seed yield reductions of 21.7% and 22.2% were recorded in the control when compared with AMA-TZBR-WCI plots in 2002 and 2003, respectively. This suggests that AMA-TZBR-WCI could be grown for effective control of the borers for increased grain yield of maize and good financial returns.

Keywords: stem borer control, yield of maize

International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 6 2005: 195-201