EFFECTS OF SOWING DATE AND SEED RATE ON THE INCIDENCE OF CUT WORMS AGROTIS SPP. IN MAIZE.

A study was carried out in submountainous hill region of north Western Himalaya to assess the effects of seed rate and date of sowing on the incidence of cutworms in maize. It was observed that the incidence was significantly more in early sown (15th May) than the late sown crop (30th May or 15th June). Irrespective of date of sowing, crop sown at the recommended rate of 20kg/ha gave significantly less grain yield than those sown at higher seed rate of 25 kg/ha. On the basis of incidence, plant stand and grain yield under different dates of sowing, it could be concluded that in lower Kullu valley areas sowing should be delayed till the first fortnight of June and in case it has to be done early as in case of higher elevations (above 1300 masl) it can be done in the last week of May or first week of June at a higher seed rate of 25 kg/ha to compensate the damage caused by cutworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]