Concept:Maize stem borer is an insect pest that hides inside plant stems, so destroying infested plants is the best control method.
Explanation:The larvae of the maize stem borer live inside the stalks and stubble of maize plants.
Uprooting and burning the affected crops destroys the larvae completely.
This also removes the source of infestation and stops the pest from spreading to healthy plants.
Rodenticides target rats, nematicides target nematodes, and fertilizers only improve soil fertility.
None of these affect the maize stem borer directly.
Therefore, cultural control by removing and burning infested plants is most effective.
Answer:A. affected crops are uprooted and burnt