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Review article (Published On: 29-Mar-2024)

Stem borers of sorghum and their management options

Hayilu Gichile

J. Agri. Res. Adv., 06 (01):30-37

Hayilu Gichile: Currently, I am working at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Chiro National Sorghum Research and Training

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Article History: Received on: 01-Oct-23, Accepted on: 24-Mar-24, Published on: 29-Mar-24

Corresponding Author: Hayilu Gichile

Email: hayilugr@gmail.com

Citation: Hayilu G (2024). Stem borers of sorghum and their management options. J. Agri. Res. Adv., 06 (01):30-37


Abstract

Sorghum is crucial grain crop for subsistence farmers in Sub- Saharan Africa's economic and food security. However, the main factors limiting the crop's yield are biotic and abiotic stresses. Stem borers substantially reduce yields, which limits sorghum production. Additional, rising temperatures brought on by climate change have the potential to exacerbate yield losses by feeding the population of maize stem borers. Other pressures and the plant's low nutritional status exacerbate stem borer damage. In Africa, yield losses due to stem borer damage can range from 20% to 40% on average. The most harmful stage of the pest's growth is the larval stage. They are hidden inside the stem, feeding on the plants inside, which makes them extremelydifficult to control.  Plant stems are severely damaged by stem borers, especially when the center leaves are destroyed. There are several ways to control the number of stem borers and the harm they do to cereal crops. These consist of the use of synthetic pesticides, biocontrol, host plant resistance, and cultural behaviors. Regarding its effects on the environment, human health, its financial costs, and its sustainability, each management approach has some benefits and drawbacks. The most crucial aspect of integrated insect pest management is host plant resistance. This is due to its low cost, compatibility with other integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, and safety for the environment. Through combining different insect-resistant genotypes in hybrids, millet crop stem borers, such as those of sorghum and maize, may be more effectively controlled. Numerous hybrids and inbred lines have been found as a result of worldwide research institutions like CIMMYT and regional research stations constantly screening vast genetic materials resistant to stem borers. But all of this was eclipsed by advances in molecular genetics and the introduction of genetically modified maize.


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