Sugarcane Borer Control, Effects on Nontarget Arthropods, 1980

Abstract

Abstract A large-plot field trial evaluation of full-season sugarcane borer (SCB) control in sugarcane (first stubble crop, Cultivar CP61-37) with Guthion and Pydrin was conducted at Dugas-Leblanc Sugars near Paincourtville, La. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with treatments replicated six times and individual plots ca. 3 acres in size. Each spray concentrate was applied in water from aircraft to the sugarcane canopy at a rate of 2 gal finished formulation/acre/application. Insecticide applications were initiated after internodes were first visible above ground and whenever at least 5% of the stalks were infested with small (1st- to-3rd stage) SCB larvae in leafsheaths. Applications were repeated only when that level of infestation reoccurred in Pydrin-treated plots. Three applications of each insecticide were made ( 14 July, 13 Aug., 18 Sep.) Infestation levels were monitored weekly starting 2 weeks after each application. The efficacy of insecticide treatments in reducing sugarcane borer induced crop damage was determined 15 Oct., by comparing percent internodes bored in treated and untreated plots following examination of 100 stalks per plot for external signs of SCB entrance and exit holes. Nontarget ground associated arthropods were continuously sampled using two pitfall traps situated centrally (150 ft apart) in each plot and changed biweekly. Traps, consisting of 1 pt jars filled with 2 in. of 70% ethanol and 1/4 in. of mineral oil, were imbedded on the row and covered by a 9 in. diam disc supported by a tripod 1 in. above the jar and soil surface