Agenorwot, Sharon Dolly2026-10-082026-10-082025Agenorwot, S. D. (2025). Efficacy of trichos formulation in controlling fall army worm and stalk borer in maize. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.https://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/10488Undergraduate research reportThe fall armyworm and maize stalk borer cause billions of dollars' worth of losses annually, posing significant agricultural challenges on a global scale. To control these losses, synthetic insecticides are frequently used which, are harmful to non-targeted organisms in the ecosystem and trigger emergence of insecticide resistance; creating a need for environmentally benign techniques such as biological control techniques. In this study evaluated the field performance of TRICHOS® in multiple formulations (seed coating, soil application, foliar spray, and their combination) against fall armyworm and stalk borer in maize. Under replicated field trials, we measured egg mass counts, larval abundance, feeding damage (on stems and ears), larval mortality, and yield gains. All individual TRICHOS® formulations significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed pest incidence and damage relative to untreated controls. The combined application (seed coat + soil + foliar) produced the strongest suppression and yielded an 88.9 % increase in maize output over untreated plots, indicating synergistic effects. Treated plots consistently showed lower egg mass density, reduced larval populations, reduced feeding damage, and increased pest mortality. These results demonstrate that integrated TRICHOS treatments can effectively mitigate S. frugiperda and stalk borer pressure while enhancing yield, and thus represent a promising component of sustainable pest management in maize agroecosystems.enOther