author(s)
Zala MB and Patel BN

abstract
To select best insecticidal application strategy for the management of stem borer, Chilo patellus Swinhoe in maize, a field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2016 and 2017 at Agricultural Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Sansoli, Gujarat. Among all the tested insecticidal application strategies viz., soil application, seed treatment and leaf whorl application, seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS, 8 ml/kg seed and thiamethoxam 30 FS, 8 ml/kg seed found most effective and economical in managing the pest by registering the lowest plant damage, leaf injury scale, number of larvae, number of pupae, stem tunnelling and the highest plant height, grain and fodder yield. Hence, seed treatment should be used as components for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans for the effective and economical management of stem borer in maize.