Sure, here’s an article on controlling early shoot borer in sugarcane crop:
Sugarcane is a major cash crop cultivated in many parts of the world. However, the crop is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its yield. One such pest that farmers need to be wary of is the early shoot borer. The early shoot borer can cause significant damage to the sugarcane crop, which necessitates its control. Here’s what you need to know about controlling early shoot borer in sugarcane crop.
Early shoot borer: The pest and its lifecycle
The early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus Snellen) is a major pest of sugarcane crop. The pest primarily attacks the sugarcane during the early stages of the crop, i.e. from germination to emergence. The pest can affect leaf, internode, and the growing shoot, affecting the growth of the plant.
The early shoot borer can complete several generations in a year, and the lifecycle is as follows:
– The females lay eggs on the leaves of the sugarcane plant.
– The larvae hatch from the eggs and bore into the plant.
– The larvae feed on the sugarcane shoots and leaves, causing damage.
– The larvae pupate within the cane stalks.
– The adult moths emerge, lay eggs, and the cycle repeats.
Signs of early shoot borer infestation in sugarcane
The early shoot borer infestation in sugarcane can be recognized by the following signs:
– Presence of holes in the leaves or internode.
– Presence of drying or withered leaves.
– Presence of frass on the damaged parts of the plant.
Control of early shoot borer in sugarcane
Several methods can be used to control the early shoot borer in sugarcane crop. Some of these include:
1. Cultural control
Cultural methods such as proper field preparation, irrigation management, timely sowing and plant density management can help reduce the incidence of early shoot borer. Timely planting of the sugarcane crop and avoiding water-logging can help reduce the incidence of early shoot borer.
2. Chemical control
Chemical control is an effective method to control the early shoot borer in sugarcane. Insecticides such as fipronil, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam can be used to control the early shoot borer.
However, it is important to ensure that the insecticide is applied at the correct time to achieve the maximum efficacy. Overuse of insecticides can lead to the development of resistance in the pest, further complicating the control.
3. Biological control
Biological control using natural enemies such as Trichogramma chilonis, a parasitoid wasp, can also be used to control the early shoot borer.
4. Integrated pest management
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach that combines the above methods to control the pest effectively. IPM involves close monitoring of the pest population and the use of multiple control methods to keep the pest population in check.
Conclusion
The early shoot borer is a major pest of sugarcane crop, causing significant damage to the plant and reducing its yield. However, with proper field management, timely use of insecticides, biological control, and IPM, the infestation can be effectively managed. It is important to adopt an integrated approach to control the pest, balancing between chemical and non-chemical control methods to achieve the best results.