Termite Control in Sugarcane

Identifying Termite Damage

Termite damage can be subtle initially but becomes more evident as the infestation grows.

• Poor Germination: Setts fail to sprout, or sprouts are weak due to termites feeding on buds.

• Wilting and Yellowing: Young shoots or mature canes may wilt and turn yellow, especially during dry periods, as termites damage roots and base of the stem.

• Hollowed Stems: When you split open affected canes, you will find tunnels and the pith eaten away, often filled with soil.

• Mud Tunnels: Termites construct mud tunnels on the surface of the soil, on the base of the cane stalks, or sometimes even up the stalk to protect themselves while feeding.

• Easy Pulling: Affected plants can be easily pulled out from the soil as their root system is damaged.

Preventive Measures Before Planting

Prevention is key to managing termites in sugarcane. Preparing your field well before planting can significantly reduce infestation.

• Deep Ploughing: Plough your field deeply to expose termite colonies to sunlight and predators, disrupting their nests.

• Remove Crop Residues: Clear all old sugarcane stubble, weeds, and other organic debris from the field, as these can serve as food sources and shelter for termites.

• Proper Irrigation: Ensure adequate moisture in the soil, especially during dry periods, as termites prefer dry conditions. Avoid waterlogging, which can also stress plants.

• Healthy Setts: Use healthy, disease-free setts for planting.

• Sett Treatment: Treat sugarcane setts with an insecticide solution before planting. This provides initial protection to the germinating buds and young shoots.

Control Methods During Crop Growth

If termites appear after planting, immediate action is needed to protect the standing crop.

• Chemical Control:

  • Soil Drenching: For standing crops, drench the soil around affected plants with an insecticide solution. This targets termites in the soil and at the base of the plants.

  • Common Insecticides: Fipronil (5% SC) or Chlorpyrifos (20% EC) are commonly used.

  • Application Table:

    InsecticideDosage per acre (for drenching)Application MethodFipronil 5% SC400-600 mlMix with water and drench at the base of plantsChlorpyrifos 20% EC1-1.5 LitreMix with water and drench at the base of plants

  • Apply these chemicals when termite activity is first noticed, usually within 30-60 days after planting or during dry spells.

• Biological Control:

  • Use entomopathogenic fungi like Metarhizium anisopliae. This fungus infects and kills termites.

  • Apply 2-4 kg of Metarhizium anisopliae formulation per acre, mixed with farmyard manure or sand, and apply near the base of plants or during sett treatment.

• Cultural Practices:

  • Maintain good field sanitation.

  • Ensure proper irrigation to keep the soil moist, as termites prefer dry conditions.

Best Practices for Long-term Management

Sustainable termite management involves practices that improve soil health and reduce pest pressure over time.

• Crop Rotation: Rotate sugarcane with non-host crops like legumes or cereals. This breaks the termite life cycle and reduces their population in the soil.

• Enhance Soil Organic Matter: Incorporate farmyard manure (FYM) or compost into the soil. Healthy soil with good organic matter content can support beneficial microorganisms that naturally suppress pests.

• Regular Monitoring: Continuously inspect your fields for early signs of termite activity. Early detection allows for timely intervention and prevents widespread damage.

• Resistant Varieties: If available and suitable for your region, choose sugarcane varieties known to be less susceptible to termite attack.

Managing termites in sugarcane effectively requires a proactive and integrated approach. By focusing on good field preparation, timely sett treatment, regular monitoring, and a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical controls when necessary, farmers can significantly reduce termite damage and ensure a healthy, productive sugarcane crop.