Effect of Cultural Control Against the Stalk Borer Busseola fusca Fuller on Maize

Busseola fusca F. (stalk borers) is the main pest of cereals in Ethiopia. In this study, survey was conducted to determine the status of stalk borer under natural infestation during the 2021/22 cropping season in Gondar Zuria District, Ethiopia. The assessment was based on a total of 60 maize fields at three representative sites, which were systematically selected. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result indicated that the prevalence of B. fusca was 100%. The local maize variety at maturity stage, late planting, and pesticide-untreated fields recorded high infestations. Fields with previous crops such as chickpea and faba bean recorded less infestation. The infestation was much lower in maize intercropping than in sole maize. Plant population and adjacent crop fields had no a significant effect on infestation level. Appropriate strategies for stem borer management based on farmers’ needs should be promoted.