Biocontrol strategy for the management of sugarcane insect pests

Sugarcane is a perennial crop harbors number of natural enemies. These natural enemies play important role for maintaining pest population. Physical growth of the crop and availability of insect pests round the year give ample scope for the exploitation of biocontrol agents in the managements of sugarcane insect pests.

 

Natural Enemies of Sugarcane Woolly Aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera

Number of natural enemies found associated with woolly aphid throughout the world. List of various natural enemies is given below.

Sugarcane red spider mite, Oligonychus indicus

Host Plant:

Oligonychus indicusis a harmful pest of sugarcane, maize and sorghum.

Cultural Operations in Sugarcane

Earthing and Tying

Earthing in July

Water management in sugarcane-

The current total irrigation potential of the country is estimated at 113 M ha of which only 50% is under actual use. One tonnes of cane need 60-70 tonnes of water. The crop should be irrigated when available water reaches to 50% of level. Maximum water is required during tillering stage and during elongation or grand growth phase. There should be proper drainage in rainy season.

Statistics

Sugarcane an important agro-industrial crop in India plays a pivotal role in national economy by contributing 1.9 per cent to GDP. The crop is cultivated in 4.22 m ha producing 300 mt with a productivity of 70 t/ha.

Tips of ratoon managements

Ratoon is a crop which is allowed to grow in the same field from the roots of the previous crop without planting seed sets a new.

Bottled sugarcane juice concentrate

Protocol for preparation of the cane juice concentrate

Weed management in sugarcane ratoon crop