Bio-Diversity of Maize Stem Borers in Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Stem borers have been the most damaging group of insect pests in maize cultivation worldwide. Feeding by borer larvae on maize plants usually results in crop losses as a consequence of death of the growing point (dead heart), early leaf senescence, reduced translocation, lodging and direct damage to the ears. Yield losses due to stem borers in Africa vary from 0 - 100 % among ecological zones, regions and seasons. In sub Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, they can cause 20 - 40 % losses during cultivation and 30 – 90 % losses in postharvest and during storage. To confirm this, a survey of maize stem borers was conducted in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara State (Oyun, Irepodun, Ilorin East and Edu) from June to August, 2019. Five farms were surveyed in each LGAs for stem borer larvae, the larvae obtained were caged differently based on LGAs and reared to adults, then taken to Insect Museum at Department of Crop protection, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State for identification. The results showed that species of Sesamia calamistis were found to be prevalent. Also results revealed that Ilorin East Local Government Area had the highest incidence (26.4 %) and severity (49.0 %) of maize borer infestation.