Abstract :
Maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) is considered a major threat for agricultural crops especially sorghum and maize and a main entomological research problem in the globe, especially in Pakistan. A study was conducted to check the life cycle of maize stem borer, C. partellus on maize under controlled conditions in 2019. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was recorded. The embryonic period was 4-6 days. The results showed that 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th instar period was 3.98 ± 1.00, 3.99 ± 2.76, 4.35 ±1.65, 4.15 ± 2.94, 5.23 ± 2.58 and 6.22 ± 2.37 days, respectively with 33.12± 9.25 days total larval period. Pupa was obtect and the fecundity was recorded 170-200 eggs per female. The pre-mating and mating period was lasted for 7-12 and 3-6 hours, respectively while the oviposition period lasted for 3-5 days. The total life cycle from egg to adult was 32-71 days. The current findings are very important in managing this pest on various crops around the globe especially in Pakistan.
Keyword :
Maize stem borer, Chilo partellus, Biology, Morphology, Maize