Early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus) is one of the most notorious pests of sugarcane crop. It attacks the crop in its early stages, i.e. within 30-45 days of planting. It is capable of causing significant yield losses and damage to the crop. Therefore, it is essential to control early shoot borer infestation to safeguard the yield of the crop.
Here are some tips to control early shoot borer in sugarcane crop:
1. Selection of healthy seed cane – Use only healthy and disease-free seed cane, free from early shoot borer infestation, for planting the crop. This will reduce the chances of pest infestation in the early stages.
2. Timely planting of the crop – Plant the sugarcane crop during the recommended time of the year when the climatic conditions are favorable. Early planting of sugarcane helps to avoid the infestation of early shoot borer to a significant extent.
3. Soil preparation – Prepare the soil properly before planting the sugarcane crop. Use fertilizers and other soil amendments to provide proper nutrition to the crop and makes it less susceptible to pest infestation.
4. Crop rotation – Adopt a crop rotation plan in the field, which reduces early shoot borer carryover from the previous crop.
5. Use of resistant varieties – Use the sugarcane varieties which are resistant to early shoot borer infestation. There are several varieties available in the market, which have been specifically bred for resistance to this pest.
6. Biological control – Introduce natural enemies like parasitoids, predators, and pathogens to control the early shoot borer population.
7. Chemical control – Use recommended pesticides, insecticides, and other chemical products to control early shoot borer infestation. Spray the pesticides at the recommended intervals and dosages to get the maximum benefit.
8. Regular monitoring – Conduct regular monitoring of the sugarcane crop to detect early shoot borer infestation at the earliest stage. This allows early intervention and minimizes the damage to the crop.
In conclusion, early shoot borer infestation can significantly impact the yield of sugarcane crop. It is, therefore, necessary to take adequate measures to control the pest in its early stages. Combining various control measures, such as the use of healthy seed cane, proper soil preparation, biological control, and timely use of recommended pesticides, can help in controlling early shoot borer infestation effectively.