Description:

• Stemflies are small and grey in colour.
• Larvae are small, pale yellow, and taper towards the head.

Damage Symptoms:

• The pest affects maize plants at the seedling stage.
• Maggots cut the central shoots, leading to the drying of seedlings or the formation of a "dead heart."

Preventive Measures:

• Follow proper crop rotation, avoid pre-monsoon sowing, and use the correct seed rate and plant spacing.

Control Measures:

• Spray 0.03% dimethoate 30 EC or 0.05% quinalphos 25 EC.