Sugarcane Borer Control, 1988

Abstract

Abstract Fourteen insecticide treatments were applied in a 5-replicate, randomized block experiment of third ratoon SCB-susceptible sugarcane at the St. Gabriel Research Station in Iberville Parish, La. Plots (0.004 ha) consisted of 3 rows on 1.8 m centers by 7.4 m. Spray mixture was applied to the canopy with backpack sprayers (pressure and output approximately 14 psi and 260 liter/ha, respectively). Biosafe was applied during light rain (applications 1 and 2) or in the evening before dew formed (application 3) within 24 h of other treatment applications. Javelin granules were applied from a shaker jar (1 pt mason jar with 5-mm holes in top) over the canopy. Insecticides were applied initially (15 Aug) when SCB larvae sampled randomly exceeded the 5% economic threshold of stalks with live SCB larvae in leaf sheaths. Two other applications were made (31 Aug and 19 Sep) when infestation levels in plots treated with Guthion 2 L at 0.75 lb (AI)/acre exceeded the 5% threshold. Season-long control was evaluated 24 Oct by examining 25 stalks randomly selected from the center of each plot for SCB entrance and exit holes.