Using insecticides for the protection of maize plants against the Asian corn borer

Abstract

Maize is a global leader among grain crops in terms of planting area. Its uniqueness is related to a high potential yield and versatility. There are a great number of pest species that significantly damage maize plants reducing the yield by 30-50 % sometimes and drastically decreasing grain quality. One of the most dangerous pests in Russia and overseas is the corn borer. The paper presents the research data on five insecticides with the following active ingredients (a.i.): emamectin benzoate (50 g/l), aversectin C (50 g/l), thiacloprid (100 g/l) + deltamethrin (10 g/l), imidacloprid (700 g/l) + alpha-cypermethrin (120 g/l), and lambda-cyhalothrin (50 g/l) + chlorantraniliprole (100 g/l). Maize plants differed in the degree of damage to cobs and stalks depending on the product employed.Our research goal was to study the effectiveness of insecticides against the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee). The research showed that the insecticides containing imidacloprid (700 g/l) + alpha-cypermethrin (120 g/l) and lambda-cyhalothrin (50 g/l) + chlorantraniliprole (100 g/l) were the most effective against the Asian corn borer. No damage to maize ears, peduncles, and stalks was detected if these insecticides were applied. A high percentage of damaged ears and stalks was observed in the control variant (without pesticide application).