Control of Stem Borer in Sugarcane Crop Information
Stem borer is a major pest of sugarcane crop, causing significant yield losses to farmers. The larvae of stem borers tunnel into the sugarcane stem, causing damage to the plant and reducing the sugar content of the crop. If not controlled, stem borers can cause up to 30% yield loss in sugarcane crop. Therefore, effective management of stem borers is critical to sustain sugarcane production.
There are several methods to control stem borer in sugarcane crop. Chemical control is one of the most widely used methods to manage stem borers. Chemical insecticides such as chlorpyrifos, carbaryl, dimethoate, and cypermethrin are commonly used to kill stem borers. However, the use of chemical insecticides has certain limitations such as high cost, environmental pollution, and development of insecticide resistance.
Biological control of stem borer in sugarcane crop is an effective and eco-friendly method. Natural enemies such as parasitoids, predators, and pathogens are used to control stem borers. Parasitoids such as Cotesia flavipes and Brachymeria lesnei are widely used to control the sugarcane stem borer, Chilo infuscatellus. Predatory insects such as spiders, ladybirds, and lacewings are also used to control stem borers. Entomopathogens such as Beauveria bassiana and Bacillus thuringiensis can be used as biopesticides to control stem borers.
Cultural control measures such as early harvesting and intercropping can also help in controlling stem borer in sugarcane crop. Early harvesting of sugarcane can reduce the incidence of stem borer by removing the food source of the pest. Intercropping with crops such as legumes, cereals, and vegetables can create a diverse habitat for natural enemies of the stem borer, which can help in reducing the pest population.
In conclusion, stem borer is a major pest of sugarcane crop that can cause significant yield losses to farmers. Effective management of stem borers is critical to sustain sugarcane production. Chemical control, biological control, and cultural control measures are some of the methods that can be used to manage stem borer in sugarcane crop. A combination of these methods can provide effective and sustainable control of stem borers in sugarcane crop.