Identification of Lepidopteran Pests of Sorghum and Assessment of Damage Levels in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Sorghum is a staple food crop and critical livelihood source for farming communities across Nigeria's North East zone. Lepidopteran pests, particularly stem borers and grain molds associated with caterpillar damage, impose significant production constraints that are poorly quantified in Taraba State. This study identifies and assesses the damage levels of Lepidoptera attacking sorghum at vegetative, booting, and grain-filling stages in three agricultural zones of Taraba State. Weekly scouting will be conducted on 60 farms across Jalingo, Bali, and Gashaka LGAs over one growing season. Caterpillars and adult moths collected from light traps will be reared to adulthood or identified from larval morphology. Stem deadheart percentage, panicle damage, and grain yield loss will be estimated at each site. The study will compare infestation levels between improved and local sorghum varieties. Analysis will apply ANOVA and regression modeling to link pest abundance with yield outcomes. Based on the literature, Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus are expected to be primary pests. Results will be disseminated through the Taraba State Agricultural Development Programme and published in an accessible format for agricultural extension use. Keywords: sorghum pests, Lepidoptera, stem borers, Taraba State, crop damage assessment