Busseola fusca

Maize stalk borer, Busseola fusca, is one of the most devastating pests of maize and sorghum across South Africa. The adult moth lays its eggs on the lower leaves, and once hatched, the larvae bore into the stem, disrupting nutrient flow and causing severe stunting, lodging, and poor cob development. This hidden feeding makes the pest especially destructive, often unnoticed until the damage is already extensive. In warm climates, the pest can complete multiple generations per season, compounding its impact across successive plantings.
Maize plants that are badly infected are "dead-headed" with the top of the plant dying due to feeding action. If pulled, the larvae can be generally extracted and fed to chickens or simply squashed.

The key to managing maize stalk borer lies in early detection and layered prevention. Once larvae have bored into stalks, they’re shielded from most sprays and biological controls. Monitoring adult moth activity through pheromone trapping allows for timely interventions before egg-laying occurs. This proactive approach reduces larval numbers, prevents tunneling damage, and limits the need for late-season interventions which are typically less effective and more costly.

Culturally, maize stalk borer can be suppressed by planting trap crops like Napier grass around field edges and intercropping with desmodium, which repels egg-laying females. Destroying crop residues after harvest also interrupts the pest’s life cycle. When pest pressure is high, applying a biological spray like Delfin WG or BioBass at first trap detection offers a safe and effective control measure, especially against early larval stages.

• Traps/Monitoring

  • Maize Stalk Borer Trap System
    A complete pheromone-based funnel trap system used to attract and trap adult male moths. Enables early detection and timing of interventions. Replace lures every 4 weeks.

  • Maize Stalk Borer Pherolure (4 Pack)
    A pack of four replacement pheromone lures to maintain trap efficacy throughout the growing season.

  • Funnel Trap : Trap Only
    A sturdy, reusable yellow funnel trap that works with MSB pheromone lures. Effective for monitoring multiple locations.

  • Delta Trap : Trap Only
    Lightweight alternative to the funnel trap for small-scale monitoring. Uses sticky inserts and compatible pheromone lures.

• Biologicals

  •  Both Delfin WG and BioBass, which contain Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt kurstaki), are effective biologicals for early larval stages of stalk borer. These two products are sprayed into the crown of the plant where the female moth lays her eggs.. 

• Organics

  • Spraying inside the crown with Neudosan at first trap detection is also an effective treatment, however this must be repeated on a weekly basis.