Bio-Ecology of Maize Spotted Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and Biorational Approaches for Sustainable Management

The maize spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a key pest causing 25–80 per cent yield losses in maize across Asia and Africa. Its wide host range, rapid development and climatic adaptability make management challenging. This review summarizes current understanding of its bio-ecology and sustainable biorational control options. Microbial agents like Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae provide effective larval suppression and yield improvement. Insect growth regulators, pheromone-based mass trapping and recent tools including RNA interference and nanobiopesticides further strengthen eco-friendly management. Integrating these interventions within maize IPM modules reduces pest incidence besides conserving beneficial fauna. Continued progress in host resistance, formulation technologies and predictive decision-support tools will enhance long-term resilience. Collectively, the reviewed evidence highlights the potential of biorational-based IPM as a sustainable alternative to conventional insecticides for managing C. partellus in maize.