MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF MAIZE IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Abstract

Monitoring study was carried out through survey in Kathmandu valley (Ramkot -5 Kathmandu district, Katunje -5, Bhaktapur district and Bungmati -25 Lalitpur district). Both qualitative and quantitative research approach was use with an objective to find the insect pests of maize in Kathmandu valley. Survey information was collected from 100 households randomly; 33 households from Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts and 34 households from Bhaktapur district during mid - June 2017 to mid - September 2017 along with maize field survey from respondent’s field. Sets of questionnaires were prepared to acquire the primary information from maize growers through face to face interview method. Secondary data collection was done from gleaning the reports, publications of different organizations, websites and libraries. This survey primarily focused on maize pest diversity in Kathmandu valley and their management practices adopted by the farmers, and secondarily on socio-economic condition of people of this area. Majority of respondents were found to be female, around 53% and 47% were found to be male. From the survey , it was obtained that most of the farmers from Kathmandu valley were found to cultivate maize in their small piece of land utilizing limited source of inputs and produce maize for their household consumption rather than for commercial selling. In study area, while visiting the field the major pests found are cob or earworm (Helicoverpa zea), maize aphid (Rhophalossiphum maidis), hairy caterpillar and white grub (Phyllophaga rugosa) and as storage pests are grain moth (Sitotorga spp.) and maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais). Based on data analysis, it was found that 88% population were not applying any type of control measures, 10% were following cultural control methods. And only 2% population were applying chemicals for control in their field. Key words: Agriculture, Chemicals, Farmers, Insects, Maize, Pests, Survey.