STATUS AND CONTROL OF THE STEM BORER, CHILO-PARTELLUS SWINHOE (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRALIDAE) IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Lepidopterous stem borers constitute one of the major constraints to cereal crop production in southern Africa. Chilo partellus Swinhoe, is an economically important stem borer of maize and sorghum. Current research status on C. partellus is reviewed and substantial advances in the distribution, bioecology and control strategies are discussed. Present work on the assessment of crop losses, elucidation of mechanisms of resistance, development of resistant crop cultivars, feasibility of biological control measures and the implementation of other stem borer management methods are reported. Further areas of research into the management of C. partellus are identified.