The larva of the Stem borer (Coniesta ignefusalis) cause considerable damage to millet crops. The insect survives from one year to another in the millet stem (Ly et al 1998). It has been demonstrated the population of stem borers can be significantly reduced if the stem is cut just after harvest and spread out on the soil surface. Heat and desiccation cause the death of the stem borer. If the stems are not cut or are used as construction material, the survival of this insect will not be affected. This method of reducing stem borer attacks also contributes to lower the soil temperature and to reduce erosion.

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