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Ecology of the maize stalk borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J. B. J. Van Rensburg ,
M. C. Walters  and
J. H. Giliomee
J. B. J. Van Rensburg
Affiliation:
Summer Grain Centre, Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
M. C. Walters
Affiliation:
Winter Rainfall Region, Private Bag, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa
J. H. Giliomee
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Abstract

New information on the intraseasonal progression of larval infestations of Busseola fusca (Fuller) in South Africa was obtained through repeated sampling in maize plantings of different planting dates over various seasons. Due to the occurrence of distinct periods of moth flight, variation in planting date had a marked influence on levels of larval infestation. Also, plants were found to be most attractive as sites for oviposition between three and five weeks after emergence, resulting in a definite pattern in the time distribution of different larval instars in different plant parts. In the pre-tassel stage of plant development, most larvae occurred in localized groups within the whorls, reaching maximum numbers eight weeks after plant emergence. The emergence of the tassel forced some larvae to migrate to adjacent plants, resulting in an increase of internally damaged plants without an increase in larval numbers. It is shown that scouting for eggs over a limited period of plant development can lead to better timing of spray applications and thus to more cost-effective control measures.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 77 , Issue 2 , June 1987 , pp. 255 - 269
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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