Important insect pests of major crops: Cereal - SS2 Agriculture Lesson Note

Cereal Crops: Cereal crops like rice, wheat, maize, and sorghum are crucial for global food production. However, they face various insect pests that can damage yields significantly.

 

a. System Borer:

Identification: System borers are typically moth larvae that bore into the stems and stalks of cereal plants.

Damage: They weaken the plant's structure, making it susceptible to lodging (falling over) and reducing grain quality and yield.

Prevention and Control: Crop rotation, early planting, and using resistant crop varieties can help manage system borer infestations. Pesticides may also be used when necessary.

 

b. Armyworm:

Identification: Armyworms are caterpillars known for their marching behavior when they move in large groups, devouring vegetation along the way.

Damage: They can quickly strip leaves and damage the reproductive parts of cereal crops, leading to yield loss.

Prevention and Control: Early detection through monitoring, natural predators, and the use of insecticides when populations are high are common control methods.

Source:(istockphoto.com)

 

c. Earworm (also known as corn earworm or cotton bollworm):

Identification: Earworms are moth larvae that feed on the kernels or grains of cereal crops.

Damage: They infest the ears or cobs, reducing grain quality and yield.

Prevention and Control: Planting early-maturing crop varieties, monitoring for earworm presence, and using biological control agents or chemical pesticides can help manage earworm infestations.

Source:(planetnatural.com)