Geographical variation in the seasonal moth flight activity of the maize stalk borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller), in South Africa

Abstract

The seasonal abundance of Busseola fusca moths at five localities in the maize production area of South Africa was monitored by means of Robinson light traps. Geographical variation in the flight pattern was shown to exist between localities from east to west. Both the time and magnitude of the three seasonal moth flights seem to be governed by climatic factors. It is pointed out that the severity and the time of occurrence of larval infestations in different localities are largely predetermined by the time of planting.