Effect of planting date of maize on damage and yield loss caused by the stalk borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Lesotho

The effect of the time of planting of maize on the incidence of infestation and yield loss caused by Busseola fusca (Fuller) was studied using five successive plantings (early November to early January) during the 1995/96 and 1996/97 growing seasons. B. fusca infestation resulted in yield losses in both early (November) and late (mid-December to early January) plantings. Increased yield loss was observed at later planting dates. Since the earliest incidence of infestation was recorded in January, it was concluded that the second generation of B. fusca moths (of which the flight activity peaks in February) was responsible for infestations in all plantings. Early planting of maize (November) is, therefore, recommended in order to minimise yield loss due to second generation infestation. Seasonal variation in yield loss due to B. fusca damage ranged between 0.4 and 5.3 during the 1995/96 season and between 12.7 and 36.6% during the 1996/97 season.