Effect of Lepidopterous Stemborers, Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Chilo Partellus (Swinhoe) on Maize (Zea mays L) Yield: A Review

Cereals are very important crops grown in Africa for human consumption. Our review confirms that of the various insect pests attacking cereals crops in Africa, lepidopteran stem borer,B.fusca and C.partellus are by far the most injurious causing maize yield losses in many African countries.B. fusca is indigenous to Africa and C.partellus invaded the continent from India. Severe damage is caused by the larvae that feed on the plant from early stage up to maturity causing a devastating impact on maize yield. Increased damage in young plants is due to tenderness of leaves and stem since aged and toughened leaves are unsuitable for newly hatched larvae.Their distribution follows a define pattern with B.fusca dominating the high elevation (˃ 1200 m) while C.partellus is most abundant and widely distributed species occurring at all sites, but predominantly in the low elevation (<600 m). C.partellus distribution is highly influenced by altitude and moisture gradients. This article is an attempt to summarize the status of knowledge about economically important cereal stem borers in Africa with emphasis on their distribution, host plants, general damage and larval behavior, yield loss in Africa, pest management and conclusion. B.fusca and C.partellus are given special attention as they are most important pests of maize in Africa.