Management of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: crambidae) Using Jatropha curcas Seed Powder on Maize (zea mays l.) At Melkassa

Abstract

Rate and frequency determination o f seed extracts of physic nut (Jatropha curcas) against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on maize at Melkassa was studied at the rates of 22.2,44.4, 66.7 and 88.6 kg per ha, and frequencies o f two times, three times and four times at weekly interval starting from two weeks after crop emergence. Stand count, lower leaf damage percent, and leaf damage score, larval density, percent dead larvae and grain yield were the parameters considered to evaluate the treatments. The result obtained clearly indicates that C. partellus infestation was significantly higher and lower in the highest and lowest rate, respectively with four times application. In conclusion, application o f seed powders o f Physic nut at the rate of 88.6 kg per/ha with four times application at weekly interval starting from two weeks after crop emergence was found to be effective in the control o f C. partellus on maize which could be recommended to be used by small scale maize producers in Ethiopia and beyond.