The term "borer" refers to various types of moths, including corn borers, pod borers, leaf rollers, secondary borers, and tertiary borers. These pests mainly bore into fruits, stems, and other parts, often causing serious damage to crops.
So, what is the best way to control borers? Let's find out.
What is the Best Way to Control Borers?
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Corn Borer
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Pod Borer
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Leaf Roller
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Secondary Borer
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Tertiary Borer
The corn borer is the main pest of corn, which can harm various parts of the corn plant above the ground, causing the affected parts to lose function and reduce grain yield.
Control measures: Use 40 milliliters of 50% phoxim emulsion mixed with 10 kilograms of fine sand per mu to make granules. Throw 10 grams into the corn tassel mouth during the heart leaf stage of corn, 10 grams per plant. Alternatively, you can use highly effective pesticides such as cyhalothrin, chlorfenapyr, methomyl, or indoxacarb mixed with water for spraying.
The pod borer mainly damages crops such as soybeans, cowpeas, green beans, lima beans, string beans, peas, and broad beans. The larvae are the main cause of damage, biting flower buds, tender stems, and pods, causing a large amount of flower and pod drop.
Control measures: You can use 2.5% triflumuron emulsion (Kung Fu) or chlorfenapyr suspension to control pod borers.
A typical example is the rice leaf roller, which mainly damages rice plants in its larval stage, attaching leaves to form longitudinal sheaths, hiding inside and feeding on the upper epidermis and mesophyll of the leaves.
Control measures: For each mu, use 10 milliliters of 20% chlorfenapyr or 15 milliliters of 15% indoxacarb suspension, mixed with enamine, pyriproxyfen, and other substances, which can also control rice planthoppers.
In addition to damaging rice, the secondary borer also damages spring-maturing crops such as sorghum, corn, rapeseed, and broad beans. Poor control in fields can result in a 1-3% loss, with severe cases leading to complete crop failure.
Control measures: Use 5-10 milliliters per mu of 10% chlorfenapyr emulsion or 20-25 milliliters per mu of 20% avermectin emulsion from the beginning of the hatching period to the peak hatching period of the secondary borer, and spray with water.
The tertiary borer is one of the main pests in southern rice-growing areas. It mainly damages rice seedlings by boring into the stems, causing dead heart seedlings.
Control measures: Use 150-200 milliliters of 25% imidacloprid water agent or 100 milliliters of 50% fipronil emulsion mixed with 50% cyhalothrin emulsion per mu, and sprinkle 15 kilograms of wet fine soil in the field.
In summary, there are many types of borers, and the specific control methods vary depending on the characteristics of each pest and the objects of damage. It is important to distinguish between them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Controlling Borers
Q: What are borers?
A: Borers are various types of moths that include corn borers, pod borers, leaf rollers, secondary borers, and tertiary borers. These pests bore into fruits, stems, and other plant parts, causing significant damage to crops.
Q: How do borers damage crops?
A: Borers damage crops by boring into various parts of plants, such as fruits, stems, and pods. This can lead to a loss of function in affected plant parts and a reduction in crop yield.
Q: What are some common borers and the crops they affect?
A: Some common borers include corn borers (affecting corn), pod borers (affecting soybeans, cowpeas, and other legumes), leaf rollers (affecting rice), secondary borers (affecting rice, sorghum, and other spring-maturing crops), and tertiary borers (affecting rice seedlings).
Q: How can I control borers?
A: Control measures for borers vary depending on the type of borer and the crop affected. Some common methods include using pesticides such as phoxim emulsion, triflumuron emulsion, chlorfenapyr suspension, and others. Application methods include granules, spraying, and soil application.
Q: When should I apply borer control measures?
A: It's essential to apply control measures at the right time during the crop's growth stage. For example, for corn borers, application during the heart leaf stage of corn is recommended. Similarly, for other borers, timing may vary depending on the crop and pest species.
Q: What should I consider when choosing a borer control method?
A: When choosing a borer control method, consider factors such as the type of borer, the crop being affected, environmental conditions, and the effectiveness and safety of the pesticide used. It's essential to follow recommended guidelines and safety precautions.
Q: Are there natural or organic methods to control borers?
A: Yes, there are organic and natural methods to control borers, such as using beneficial insects, cultural practices like crop rotation, and biopesticides derived from natural sources. These methods can be effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides.
Q: What should I do if borers continue to damage my crops despite control measures?
A: If borers persist despite control measures, it may be necessary to reassess the effectiveness of the chosen method and consider alternative approaches. Consulting with agricultural experts or extension services can provide valuable guidance in dealing with persistent borer infestations.