Scirpophaga Excerptalis Research Articles

A note on parasitisation of top borer by Isotima javensis Rohwer (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Isotima javensis is a solitary ecto parasitoid of the sugarcane top borer, S. exceptalis. It attacks the prepupal stage and deposits an egg either on the prepupa or near its vicinity. The extent of parasitisation was observed 2.12%, 4.28%, 7.14%, 5.88% and 5.23 % in I, II, III, IV and V broods of top borer, respectively. The contribution of mortality of pupae of the top borer by parasitisation is high in III and IV broods (Aug-Oct), the time when the brood infestation remains generally very high. The maximum female ratio (59.72%) was observed in III brood of parasitisation followed by 55.20 % in IV brood. In I and II broods, however more or less equal number of males and females can be observed in the field. Equality in the sex ratio at this time ensures fertilisation of almost all the females for retaining the vigour and vitality of the species. The absence of unfertilized parasites naturally removes the chances of parthenogenetic reproduction and thus the number of females gradually rises in the succeeding season. It is concluded that there are several attributes of parasitoid i.e. specific parasite of top borer; its life cycle is much shorter than its host; active throughout the period of activity of the host and even it hibernates under north Indian conditions which make it a good biocontrol agent. It is suggested that parasitoid may be exploited in biological control programme, more detailed study is required for mass multiplication in the laboratory on an alternate host, release technique and survival in the sugarcane field.

Economic Impact of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for Controlling Sugarcane Moth Borers in Thailand

Sugarcane moth borer pests in Thailand include the crambids Chilo infuscatellus Snellen, Chilo sacchariphagus (Bojer), Chilo tumidicostalis (Hampson) and Scirpophaga excerptalis (Walker) and the noctuid Sesamia inferens (Walker). The economic impact of the larval endoparasitoid, Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was studied through field experiments and benefit–cost analysis. Augmentative biological control research was conducted over two consecutive cropping seasons (2009–2011) to compare yields and net income of sugarcane between plots where C. flavipes was released every month (1250 adults/ha) and plots without releases. In treated plots, significantly (P < 0.05) higher yields were obtained: 84.38 ± 5.21 t/ha in the 2009/2010 and 86.47 ± 7.07 t/ha in the 2010/2011 cropping seasons, compared to control plots; 66.45 ± 7.62 t/ha in the 2009/2010 and 67.60 ± 4.79 t/ha in the 2010/1011 cropping seasons, respectively. Net income of the farmer from treated areas of USD 1637.78/ha in the 2009/2010 and USD 1340/ha in the 2010/2011 cropping seasons were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the untreated areas: USD 532.37/ha in 2009/2010 and USD 322.61/ha in 2010/2011 cropping seasons.

Shoot Borers Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker Attack on Sugarcane at Three Planting Systems

&lt;p&gt;ABSTRACT&lt;br /&gt;Scirpophaga excerptalis W alker shoot borers is one of the major pests of sugarcane. The p lants at tacked by this pests wil l dec rease in yield, productivity, and sugar c rystal. The experiment was conducted at the experimental station, in Muktiharjo, Pati fr om January to May 201 3. The aims of the experiment was to determine the coverity of S. excerptalis s hoot borers a ttack on three su garcane cropping systems of (S. officinarum L.). The treatment co nsisted of thr ee cro pping systems: 1) single row, 2) wide double row, and 3) narrow double row. Treatments arranged in a randomized complate block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that the use of wide double row cropping systems can increase shoot borers attack S. excerptalis, higher than the other cropping systems. Based on this research result, it is recommended to select planting system that can increase plant population but not to decrease intensity of light. From this, wide double row is selected.&lt;br /&gt;Keyword: Top borers, Scirpophaga excerptalis Walke, Saccharum officinarum L., planting system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;SERANGAN PENGGEREK PUCUK Scirpophaga excerptalis WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA; PYRALIDAE) PADA TIGA SISTEM TANAM TEBU (Saccharum officinarum L.)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;ABSTRAK&lt;br /&gt;Salah satu jenis hama utama tanaman tebu adalah penggerek pucuk Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker. Serangan hama tersebut pada pertanaman tebu dapat menurunkan produktivitas, rendemen dan hasil hablurnya. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kebun Percobaan Muktiharjo, Pati mulai bulan Januari sampai dengan Mei 2013. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat serangan penggerek pucuk S. excerptalis pada tiga sistem tanam tebu (S. officinarum). Perlakuan terdiri atas 3 sistem tanam, yaitu 1) juring tunggal, 2) juring ganda rapat, dan 3) juring ganda lebar, disusun dalam rancangan acak kelompok (RAK) dan diulang 3 kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan juring ganda rapat pada sistem tanam tebu dapat meningkatkan serangan penggerek pucuk S. excerptalis lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan juring ganda lebar dan juring tunggal. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut disarankan untuk memilih sistem tanam yang dapat meningkatkan populasi tanaman tetapi tidak menurunkan intensitas cahaya yang masuk. Pada hasil penelitian ini, sistem tanam yang dipilih adalah juring ganda lebar.&lt;br /&gt;Kata kunci: Penggerek pucuk, Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker, Saccharum officinarum L., sistem tanam&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of female vs. male pupa of Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker on reproductive potential of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hynenoptera: Eulophidae)

Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Eulophidae: Hymenoptera) is gregarious and polyphagous endopupal parasitoid associated with sugarcane stem borers. It is adapted in its host-searching strategy to penetrate tunnels excavated by stem borers which is a prerequisite for a good biological control agent of stem borers. The experiment was conducted at 25 ± 2°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity in BOD with ten replications at Biological in Division of Crop Protection, ICAR, Lucknow. The number of adult emerged (81.29) from female pupa (81.29) was more than male pupa (65.30). The smaller host pupae (i.e. male pupa) gave rise to small number of parasitoids whereas larger ones (i.e. female pupa) supported development of more parasitoids. The parasitoid completed development in 19.5 days on both pupae. There was no significant difference of development period in male vs. female pupa. The female emergence (%) on female and male pupa was 86.94 and 74.23, respectively. The number and sex ratio of adult progeny emerging from host pupa depends on the size. The large host size is more beneficial to the fitness of daughters than to sons and selection would then favor wasps to lay more daughters in large hosts and more sons in small hosts. It is concluded that parasitoid had high reproductive potential, more female biasesd sex ratio and its gregarious development make possible to multiply on sugarcane top borer in the laboratory.

A taxonomic review of Schoenobiinae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from Korea

The Korean species of Schoenobiinae are reviewed. A total of four genera and 10 species are recognized. Among these, three species: Schoenobius sasakii Inoue, Scirpophaga excerptalis (Walker), and Scirpophaga gotoi Lewvanich, are reported for the first time from Korea, and Scirpophaga praelata (Scopoli) is reported for the first time from South Korea. In addition, the occurrence of Scirpophaga xanthopygata Schawerda in Korea is reconfirmed. Diagnoses and photos of adults and genitalia are given for the species available for this study. A key to the Korean species of Schoenobiinae is also provided.

Field efficacy of insecticides against top borer,Scirpophaga excerptaliswalker infesting sugarcane

Investigations on the efficacy of four insecticides viz., chlorpyriphos, phorate, sevidol, and gamma HCH and three neem products viz., neem seed kernel extract, nimin and neem cake against early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen (Cerambicidae: Lepidoptera), of sugarcane were carried out. Among the four insecticides, gamma HCH was found most effective in reducing the early shoot borer. The highest cane yield (78.8 t/ha) was obtained from the plots treated with gamma HCH at 1.0 Kg a.i. /ha and gave 0.76, 2.28 and 2.66 per cent higher cane yield than sevidol 4:4G @1.0 Kg a.i. /ha, phorate10G @1.0 Kg a.i. /ha and chlorpyriphos 20 EC @1.0 Kg a.i. /ha, respectively than neem products; Nimin, NSKE and neem cake. In spite of the differences in the effect of the various insecticides at 45, 60 and 75 days after planting, there was consistency in the effect of sevidol 4:4G @1.0 Kg a.i. /ha, chlorpyriphos 20 EC @1.0 Kg a.i. /ha, phorate10G @1.0 Kg a.i. /ha and gamma HCH 6G @1.0 Kg a.i. /ha were found statistically at par with each other and significantly superior over other treatments.

Record of Nipponaetus haeussleri (Uchida) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) as an Egg Parasitoid of Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker from India

During routine surveys for egg parasitoids of sugarcane borers in the Cauvery Delta zone of Tamil Nadu, Nipponaetus haussleri (Uchida) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was recovered from an egg mass of sugarcane top shoot borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis . This is the first report of an ichneumonid from a lepidopteran egg mass.

Accumulated thermal time, a key factor in affecting generation initiation and duration of top borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker of sugarcane for its model‐based chemical control

AbstractThe seasonal variation in the initiation and duration of the I–III generations of the top borer was observed and analysed during five crop cycles from 2002–2003 to 2006–2007 at Lucknow in central Uttar Pradesh. The durations of the I–III generations were significantly correlated with the accumulated thermal time (Tbase = 10°C). Relatively higher temperature and consequently higher accumulated thermal time shortened the brood duration and early initiation of successive generations and vice versa. Based on these correlations, models were developed for predicting the initiation and duration of these generations. These models were validated for 2007–2008 crop cycle. The differences between observed and predicted duration of the I–III generation of the pest were 3, 1 and 3 days respectively reflecting high precision of the models. As the current management strategy for the chemical control of the pest is based on a calendar week, the shift of III generation initiation due to seasonal fluctuations could lead to escape from insecticide and render the chemical application pointless. The model‐based control strategy is more precise and foretells the time of application of chemical against III generation of top borer which is most damaging to sugarcane crop. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society

Engineering sugarcane cultivars with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (aprotinin) gene for protection against top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker)

The inhibitory activity of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (aprotinin), a natural polypeptide and a proteinase inhibitor, was demonstrated on gut proteinases of three lepidopteran borers of sugarcane using commercially available aprotinin. A synthetic gene coding for aprotinin, designed and codon optimized for better expression in plant system (Shantaram 1999), was transferred to two sugarcane cultivars namely CoC 92061 and Co 86032 through particle bombardment. Aprotinin gene expression was driven by maize ubiquitin promoter and the plant selection marker used was hygromycin resistance. The integration, expression and functionality of the transgene was confirmed by Southern, Western and insect bioassay, respectively. Southern analysis showed two to four integration sites of the transgene in the transformed plants. Independent transgenic events showed varied levels of transgene expression resulting in different levels (0.16-0.50%) of aprotinin. In in vivo bioassay studies, larvae of top borer Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) fed on transgenics showed significant reduction in larval weight which indicated impairment of their development. Results of this study show the possibility of deploying aprotinin gene for the development of transgenic sugarcane cultivars resistant to top borer.

Incidence of Major Insect Pests to Some Promising Sugarcane Clones in Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate some insect pest resistant promising sugarcane clones viz, I 137-96, I 131-97, I 202-97 and standard varieties like Isd 20, Isd 28 and Isd 29. The tests were done at two locations viz. Ishurdi and Thakurgaon during the cropping seasons of 2001-2002 to 2003-2004. Results revealed that (pooled data) those clones encountered very low infestation by early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen which ranged from 0.00 to 0.53 per cent at Ishurdi and 0.52 to 1.87 per cent at Thakurgaon. Infestation due to black beetle, Alisonotum impressicole ranged from 3.05 to 4.63 per cent and 0.96 to 1.33 per cent at Ishurdi and Thakurgaon respectively. Top shoot borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker infestation ranged from 10.66 to 17.88 per cent at Ishurdi and 18.35 to 39.73 per cent at Thakurgaon with the lowest infestation in the clone I 202-97 compared to standard varieties. Stem borer, Chilo tumidicostalis Hampson infestation ranged from 6.95 to 29.10 per cent and 47.16 to 57.21 per cent (stalk basis) at Ishurdi and Thakurgaon respectively with the lowest incidence and intensity in the standard varieties compared to the test clones. Rootstock borer, Emmalocera depressella Swinhoe infestation ranged from 20.80 to 28.58 per cent at Ishurdi and 51.13 to 63.95 per cent at Thakurgaon among the test clones and standard varieties. Infestation due to scale insect, Melanaspis glomerata Green ranged from 14.34 to 25.77 per cent and 25.17 to 35.57 per cent at Ishurdi and Thakurgaon respectively. Mealy bug, Saccharicoccus sacchari Cockerell infestation was observed which ranged from 22.39 to 45.45 per cent at Ishurdi and 19.43 to 41.69 per cent at Thakurgaon. White grub population ranged from 2.44 to 3.67 and 3.50 to 7.5 at Ishurdi and Thakurgaon respectively among the test clones and standard varieties. Keywords: Incidence, insect pests, sugarcane clones.

Evaluation of synthetic sex pheromone of sugarcane top borer (scirpophaga excerptalis walk)

Studies were initiated towards indigenisation of top borer pheromones. The two formulations E-11 hexadecenal and Z-11 hexadecenal identified and reported as effective in two combinations viz., 70:30 and 78:22 by Chinese workers were evaluated for their efficacy in Bihar (Subtropical India). The former combination proved to be superior. Indigenous formulations of top borer pheromone at 70:30 ratio as septa and vials at 1 and 3 mg strengths were evaluated for their efficacy in Uttar Pradesh (Subtropical India).

An IPM module for the management of major insect pests of sugarcane in Indian subtropics

This paper describes the evaluation of some environmentally sound tactics developed for raising insect-pests damage free sugarcane crop in subtropical India. Six ecology based approaches were employed: timing irrigation and urea application, mechanical removal of damaging stages of pests and crop residues, earthing up, propping of cane stalks, liberation of egg parasitoid (Trichogramma chilonis) and foliar N application. Effects of these were determined on (i) incidence and intensity of four major insect pests namely, shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus), top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis), stalk borer (Chilo auricilius) and black bug (Cavelerius sweeti), (ii) crop growth function , (iii) control efficiency system and (iv) yield and quality of a number of commercial cane cultivars. Timing irrigation (10 day interval) and application of recommended dose of urea and earthing up during formative phase helped the crop escape shoot borer attack as also improved crop vigour in terms of increase in cane height and millable cane number, which ultimately contributed to higher cane yield than that obtained with insecticide treatment. The timely mechanical removal of top borer infested shoots or its egg masses and adults helped reduce the incidence of most damaging third brood alone by over 50 percent in all the cultivars studied. Apart from being completely safe to the environment the technique involves 3-4 times less (Rs. 150-250/ha) expenditure than the chemical treatment ( Rs. 1000-1500/ha ) and may find easy practicability in areas where labour is plentiful and inexpensive and on small family holdings. Innundative releases of egg parasitoid during July-October and the crop production practices like earthing up and propping of cane stalks which help avoid lodging could curtail stalk borer infestation adequately. The incidence and intensity of black bug in ratoon crop was also reduced between 50-70 percent with a concomitant increase in shoot height simply by removal of plant crop residue and foliar N applications. The cumulative use of these tactics resulted in reduced pest damage (below economic injury level), significantly increased yield (22-36% improved productivity), reduced costs of pest control, conservation of natural enemies maintaining resource quality, avoiding environmental and other risks to human and animals, and helped generate employment for poor and needy (mechanical control of top borer insect).

Failures of Attack by the Top Borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Wlk. In Relation to Resistance in Sugarcane Genotypes

Two types of failures of attack by the top borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Wlk., and their relation to sugarcane resistance to deadheart formation were studied in 164 genotypes of sugarcane for three years at two locations, viz., Karnal (Haryana State) and Chakia (Bihar State) in India. Attacks were unsuccessful either because of failure of neonate larvae in the mid-rib to reach the spindle (Type 1) or failure of older larvae in the spindle to reach the meristem (Type 2). Type 1 failure was frequent (19.2 to 26.7 %) while Type 2 was rare (2.9 to 5.1 %) among the genotypes. Larval dispersal and mortality were influenced by several factors related or unrelated to resistance and occurred concurrently in the same genotypes. This led to variation in larval mortality even among genotypes with the same levels of Type 1 failure. Those genotypes (Co 1223, Co 1224, E 276, Co 7224, Co 745, E 128, Co 62235, E 132, E 50, CoS 767 and CoJ 67) that had high scores of both Type 1 failure (14 to 18) and larval mortality (13 to 17) had the lowest percentages of deadhearts (11.8 to 24.4%).

Prospecting for Insect Pheromones in Indonesia: Finds, Failures and the Future

The isolation, identification and application of pheromones in agriculture and forestry in Indonesia is beginning and is of increasing importance in the official government strategy of pest management. As the fourth most populous country in the world, home to some of the largest remaining tropical rainforests and undergoing rapid industrialization, there are a variety of powerful reasons for Indonesia to continue to develop and implement IPM programs that are effective, readily available and user-friendly. Many IPM programs will be benefited from the inclusion of a pheromone-based component. Several recent pheromone research projects, undertaken in Indonesia to identify and develop pheromones as tools in IPM programs, were examined. These include diamondback moth ( Plutella xylostella (L.)); soybean pod borer ( Etiella zinckenella Trietschke and E. hobsoni Butler); sugar cane top borer ( Scirpophaga nivella F.); and some coleopteran and other pests of palm ( Oryctes rhinoceros (L.), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), R. vulneratus (Panzer) and Setothosea asigna (vE)). The nature of the pheromone was discussed in each case and how the pheromone information can be of assistance in IPM programs involving these insect pests was reviewed. Some obstacles to pheromone research as well as some of the limitations to the inclusion of pheromones in IPM programs were also reviewed in the Indonesian context. Obstacles involving the influence of difficulties in communication and access to information, bureaucracy and the acquisition of equipment and supplies are not uncommon. Further, communication of research results as well as the general level of capitalization of agricultural effort in addition to grower sociocultural factors can be problematic. However there are a large number of opportunities for productive pheromone research and we present an active ‘hot’ list of target insect/crop combinations which are likely to prove rewarding. Facilitation of a continuous indigenous research effort involving pheromones is being achieved through the development and strengthening of a Pheromone and Semiochemical Research Group centered at the Bandung Institute of Technology.

Rapid microplate assay for substrates and inhibitors of proteinase mixtures.

Rapid microplate assay for substrates and inhibitors of proteinase mixtures.

Record of Natural Enemies of Sugarcane Top Borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Wlk. from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh

Field surveys were conducted during the year 1990-91 to record the natural enemy complex of sugarcane top borer in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. Affected cane tops were collected from sugarcane field having different stages of parasitised and healthy egg- masses, larvae and pupae of Scirpophaga excerptalis and kept in specimen jars covered with fine muslin cloth at 28 ± 2°C and 65 ± 5% RH for the emergence of natural enemies. The natural enemies emerged were preserved and identified by .Commonwealth Institute of Entomology, United Kingdom.

Laboratory and field evaluation ofAllorhogas pyralophagus for the control of lepidopterous borers infesting sugarcane in tropical India

All the seven species of lepidopteran insects viz.,Chilo infuscatellus Snell.,C. sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur),C. partellus Swinhoe,Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker,Sesamia inferens Walker,Corcyra cephalonica Staint., andGalleria mellonella (L.) were parasitized under laboratory conditions by the imported braconid parasite,Allorhogas pyralophagus Marsh. Among theseS. excerptalis was the most suitable host for the multiplication of the parasite. When commonly occurring borer pests of sugarcane in tropical India were offered in single and multiple choice test, the parasite preferredS. excerptalis compared toc. infuscatellus andC. sacchariphagus indicus. During 1988 and 1989 growing seasons, attempts were made to colonizeA. pyralophagus againstC. sacchariphagus indicus andS. excerptalis attacking sugarcane. A total of 11,754 and 15,651 mated females were released in 0.4 ha sugarcane field during 1988 and 1989 respectively, but the parasite failed to colonise on the sugarcane borers.

Pathogenicity and Host Range of Beauveria nr. bassiana , a Fungal Pathogen of Chilo infuscatellus Snellen

Second and third Instar larvae of the shoot borer Chilo infuscatellus Snell., were more susceptible (51.47 to 65.2 %) to the fungus, Beauveria nr. bassiana even at a low dosage (10 5 or 10 6 spores/ml), At 10 7 spores/ml, the mortality observed was 68.53-75.93 %. Mortality of the larvae decreased with increase in larval age or decrease in the concentration of the fungus. The fungus took less time to cause mortality in second instar larvae and the incubation period Increased with Increase in the age of the larvae or decrease in the dosage. All the six species of phytophagous insects tested Viz ., Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur), C. partellus Swinhoe, Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker, Sesamia inferens Walker, Heliothis arniigera Hubner and Spodoptera litura Fabricius were susceptible to the fungal Infection. The mean mortailty of third Instar larvae varied from 50.0 to 65.0 per cent in the different species. The fungus was not infective to Sturmiopsis inferens Tns. the principal larval parasite of the shoot borer.

Life tables of sugar-cane top borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Wlk.

Key mortality factors of sugar-cane top borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Wlk. during the third brood were quantified on a susceptible sugar-cane variety, Co 1148 during 1981 and on susceptible CoJ 64, resistant CoJ 67 and collateral hoste, Sorghum halepense Peru, and Saccharum spontaneum L., during 1982 in Haryana (sub-tropical India). As artificial rearing of this borer is not possible, a methodology to have uniform age group at the beginning of the study by tagging the egg masses and the freshly attacked plants was developed. Results showed that parasitization of various stages and failure of neonate larvae to enter the midribs were the key mortality factors common to all the hosts. In S. halepense there was negative trend index (0.104) due to high mortality of larvae in all the instars. This revealed that it is not a suitable host for top borer. No predators were found to feed on any of the sub-imaginal stages of the borer due to the unique habits of the borer.

Further Evidence to Support inclusion of the Oriental Sugarcane top borerScirpophaga nivella(Fab.) in the GenusTryporyzaCommon

Abstract The morphological characters of the Oriental sugarcane top borer hitherto referred to as Scirpophaga nivella (Fabricius) agree with those of the genus Tryporyza erected by Common (1960). The inclusion of nivella under Tryporyza has therefore, been proposed in this paper.