Rearing of Maize Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Maize is an important cereal crop grown for food, fodder and raw material throughout the world. It is rick source of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Maize production is decreasing day by day due to attacked of more than 250 insect species and mites. Among insect pests, maize stem borer, Chilo partellus is most destructive pest for maize production. The rearing of maize stem borer, C. partellus was conducted under laboratory conditions in National Agricultural research Centre (NARC) Islamabad. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was recorded in C. partellus. The mean value of egg was 4.67 ± 1.09 days. There were six larval instar of C. partellus and total larval period was 18-48 days. The growth period of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth larval instar was 3-6, 2-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9 and 5-11 days respectively on maize leaves. The mean average duration of pupa was 9.00±2.25 days. The female was long lived than male. The total developmental period from egg to adult was 30-65 days.