a) Fall Armyworm (FAW)

Fall Armyworm is the most destructive pest in irrigated maize. It attacks young leaves and can destroy entire fields if not controlled.

Above is the picture of the pest:

Recommended Control:

• Early planting and scouting from 10 days after germination
• Use recommended Insecticides containing active ingredients such as Emamectin benzoate, Chlorpyrifos, Deltamethrin. or talk to Seed Co Agronomists
• Biological agents

b) Stem Borers

Stemborers weaken the stalk and interfere with nutrient flow.

Control Options:

• Field sanitation (destroy stalk residues)
• Timely insecticide application in the early vegetative stage. Pesticides with the following active ingredients are effective, emamectin benzoate, Spinetoram / Spinosad, Chlorantraniliprole

c) Maize earworm

The maize earworm, also known as the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), is a significant agricultural pest, particularly in maize (corn) production.

Control Options:

• Use Seed Co Resistant varieties:
• Early planting: Planting early can help avoid peak earworm populations.
• Cultural practices: Deep plowing and removing crop residue can help reduce overwintering populations.
• Biological control: Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a biological pesticide that can be effective against earworms.
• Chemical control: Insecticides can be used, but it is important to apply them before the larvae enters the ear, as they are difficult to control once inside.

d) White grubs

They are common soil-dwelling pests in many crops, including maize, sugarcane, and ground nuts, and are particularly damaging during early crop establishment. Grubs feed on roots, leading to stunted growth, wilting, Plant lodging or death, especially in seedlings.

Control Options

• Soil preparation – deep ploughing to expose grubs to predators and sunlight
• Crop rotation – avoid continuous planting of host crops
• Neem-based products – act as repellents
• Insecticides – Soil-applied (e.g., chlorpyrifos, fipronil) at planting
• Biological control – Use of entomopathogenic nematodes or fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae)

e) Termites

Termites can cause significant damage to maize crops, especially in the later stages of growth when they attack roots and stems, leading to lodging (plants falling over) and reduced yields.

Control

Seed Treatment (Preventive)

• use Fipronil, Imidacloprid, or Thiamethoxam as a seed dressing before planting.
• Protects the crop from early-season termite attack.

Soil Drench or Furrow Treatment

• Apply Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, or Bifenthrin mixed with water to planting furrows or around plant bases.
• Do not over-irrigate immediately after application to avoid washing off.

a) Maize Streak Virus (MSV)

A viral disease transmitted by leafhoppers. Common symptoms include yellow streaks on leaves and stunted growth.

Management:

• Plant Seed Co tolerant varieties
• Early planting to escape peak vector pressure
• Insecticide sprays to control leafhoppers

b) Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB)

Caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum. Long, gray-green elliptical lesions on leaves reduce photosynthetic activity.

Control:

• Use tolerant varieties like Seed Co
• Apply fungicides like propiconazole at the tasseling stage

c) Gray Leaf Spot (GLS)

Caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis. Appears as rectangular, gray lesions.

Control:

• Maintain field hygiene
• Use resistant hybrids of Seed Co
• Timely fungicide spraying

d) Cob and Ear Rots

Caused by fungi like Fusarium and Aspergillus. It worsens with late harvesting and poor drying.

Management:

• Ensure good drainage
• Harvest on time and dry maize immediately
• Store in cool, dry, and aerated storage

• Rotate crops to break pest cycles
• Scout regularly and act fast at first signs
• Avoid over-irrigation to reduce fungal pressure
• Destroy residues after harvest
• Use certified seeds with built-in disease tolerance

Winter maize presents a unique opportunity for farmers to boost productivity and profits. By planting high-performing Seed Co varieties—SC301, SC403, SC419, SC423, SC529, and SC555—and following smart pest and disease management strategies, farmers can secure higher yields with better quality grain.

Take control of your field this winter. Plant right, scout regularly, and protect your crop—Seed Co is here to grow with you.