Trials on the chemical control of maize borers in the savanna zone of the Ivory Coast

Losses ranged from 54-98% in trials. Five borers were concerned: 3 attack primarily the stems - Eldana saccharina (Pyralidae), Busseola fusca (Noctuidae) and Sesamia calamistis (Noctuidae), 2 damage exclusively the ear - Mussidia nigrivenella (Pyralidae), and Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Tortricidae). When moderately intensified cropping patterns are used, yield increases of economic interest can be obtained with 2 treatments at the beginining of the cycle, 20 and 40 days after emergence. Effective insecticides to control stem borers are delmathrin emulsifiable concentrates at 15 a.i./ha and carbofuran in granular form at the rate of 200 g a.i./ha. Endosulfan also has potential, but its economic rate must be determined. None of the insecticides used is effective to control the ear borer M. nigrivenella at the rates tested. -from English summary