Controlling maize diseases and pests in your farm

As a farmer, you must know that the yield you get could largely be influenced by attacks from diseases and or pests.  

To effectively control this disaster from wiping out your investment, you must monitor the crop closely to detect early, these diseases or pests that will inflict heavy losses on you.  

Information and Communication Support for Agricultural Growth in Nigeria (ICS-Nigeria)-a project which seeks to increase the quantity and quality of information available for increased agricultural production, processing, and marketing and also strengthen the capacity of farmer assistance organizations, in collaboration with IITA Ibadan, recommended the steps below to deal with these pests and disease in your maize farm:

Army-worms and grasshoppers: Where infestation by these insects has been detected, control immediately with monocrotophos (e.g. Azodrin at 533 ml/liter, Nuvacron 40EC at the rate of 40 ml per 10 litres of water and Ultracide 40 at 40 ml per 10 liters of water).    

Termites: If termites attack is detected during the growing season, spray the affected area with 30 ml of Nogos 50 in 4.5 liters of water. Termite hills in the field and surrounding area should be located and destroyed.   

Stem-borers: Where stem-borer control is required, apply Furadan, 3G or 10g (carbofuran) at the rate of 0.75 kg ai/ha as side dressing, 10 cm away from maize stands.  

This should be done seven days after emergence or as seed dressing-‘a chemical, typically antimicrobial or fungicidal, with which seeds are treated (or dressed)’ with a marker prior to planting. Apply 1.68 kg active ingredient carbaryl (Vetox 85) at 225 litres of water/ha.  

Local unit is 8 levels of standard match box per 9 litres (2 gallons) of water. Two applications every two weeks intervals, starting two weeks after planting should be made. 

Corn earworms: For green maize production in particular and increased grain yield, apply 3 sprays of cymbush 10 EC of Ambush 25 EC at the rate of 20ml per 10 liters of water at weekly interval, beginning from 50% silking and spray directly to the cobs.  

Farmers are strongly advised to start planting early to minimize attack by diseases. Farmers should also contact extension workers for other effective means of control.