The approach depends on a mix of companion crops to be planted around & among maize or sorghum. Both domestic & wild grasses can help to protect the crops by attracting & trapping the stemborers. The grasses are planted in the border around the maize & sorghum fields where invading adult moths become drawn to chemicals emitted by the grasses themselves. In lieu of landing on the maize or sorghum plants, the insects head for what appears to be a tastier meal. These grasses provide the "pull" in the "push�pull" strategy. They also serve as a refuge for the borers' natural enemies. Nice trap crops include well-known grasses such as Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) & Sudan grass (Sorghum vulgare sudanense). Napier grass has a very effective way of defending itself against the pests: one time attacked by a borer larva, it secretes a sticky substance which physically traps the pest & limits its destroy.
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