Sugarcane: Pests and Their Management

Sugarcane, a cash crop, is susceptible to various types of pests. These include termites, mealybugs, green leafhoppers, armyworms, white grubs, early shoot borer, top shoot borer, and sugarcane black bugs. The presence of these pests adversely affects both the yield and sweetness of sugarcane, causing significant losses to farmers engaged in sugarcane cultivation. Here, we will delve into detailed information about pests affecting sugarcane crops and their control measures.

Major pests affecting the Sugarcane Crop

Damage caused by termites: Termites, often found in the soil, inflict damage to sugarcane by feeding on it, leading to reduced germination rates as they consume the shoots.

Methods for termite control:

• It is advisable to treat sugarcane pieces by soaking them in a solution of Tata Tafaban at a rate of 3 ml per liter of water.
• During soil preparation, DeHaat Slaymite Ultra can be applied at a rate of 4 kg per acre.
• Apply Thiamethoxam 75% SG (Dhanuka - Ripple) pesticide at a rate of 60 gm per acre.

Damage caused by sap-sucking pests: These pests suck the sap from the leaves, weakening them. This reduces the process of photosynthesis and stunts plant growth.

Methods of controlling sap-sucking pests:

• Mix 100 gm of Thiamethoxam 25% WG (DeHaat-Asear) in 150-200 liters of water and apply per acre.
• Mix 100 ml of Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC (DeHaat-Entokill) in 150-200 liters of water and apply per acre.
• Mix 300-350 ml of Chloropyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% (DeHaat-C Square) in 150-200 liters of water and apply per acre.
• Mix 300-400 gm of Acephate 50% + Imidacloprid 1.8% SP (UPL Lancer Gold) in 150-200 liters of water and apply per acre.

Damage caused by mealybug: Mealybugs, identified by their white, waxy egg clusters on the undersides or nodes of plant leaves, inflict significant harm to sugarcane. These pests secrete honeydew, leading to the development of sooty mold on sugarcane, turning it black and attracting black ants. The leaves turn yellow, and the sugarcane becomes stunted.

Methods of controlling mealybug:

• Avoid excessive moisture in the field and prevent waterlogging.
• Uproot severely affected plants and dispose of them properly.
• Use 300-400 ml of Buprofezin 25% SC (Bayer Folidol) mixed with 150-200 liters of water.
• Apply 200-300 ml of Monocrotophos 36% SL (IIL Monocil) in 150-200 liters of water.
• Spray 300 ml of Dimethoate 30% EC (Tata Rallis Tafgor) mixed with 150-200 liters of water for effective control.

These measures help mitigate the Mealybug infestation, ensuring healthier and more productive sugarcane crops.

Damage caused by pyrilla: The sugarcane crop incurs significant losses due to this pest. The infestation of this pest persists from April to October. It weakens the sugarcane crop by sucking sap from the leaves. To protect sugarcane crops from these major pests, farmers should utilize the below-mentioned remedies.

Methods of controlling pyrilla:

• Ensure proper irrigation in the field.
• Avoid excessive use of urea in infested sugarcane fields, as high nitrogen content increases the incidence of pyrilla.
• Use Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% (DeHaat C Square) by mixing 300-350 ml of the medicine in 150-200 liters of water per acre.
• Use Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC (DeHaat Caterkill) by mixing 300 ml of the medicine in 150-200 liters of water per acre.

Damage caused by white grubs: These pests reside in the soil, laying eggs, and typically feed on roots and shoots, causing damage. Infested sugarcane plants exhibit wilting and are easily uprooted.

Methods of controlling white grubs:

• Apply 200-250 gm per acre of Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG (DeHaat Demfip) pesticide.
• Use 4 kg per acre of Thiamethoxam 1% + Chlorantraniliprole 0.5% GR (Syngenta Virtako) pesticide.
• Apply 500 ml per acre of Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% (DeHaat C Square) pesticide.

Damage caused by early shoot borer: Early shoot borer damage is more prominent during crop emergence. This pest bores into the shoot's proximity, creating holes and causing drying of the plant. Typically, their infestation occurs between March and June in light soil and dry environments. To deter this pest, prioritize early sowing.

Methods of controlling early shoot borer:

• Apply Thiamethoxam 1% + Chlorantraniliprole 0.5% GR (Syngenta Virtako) at a rate of 4 kg per acre.
• Use DeHaat EntoKill (Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambdacyhalothrin 9.5% ZC), 100 ml per 150-200 liters of water per acre.
• Use Chlorpyriphos 20% EC (Tata Tafaban) at a rate of 400-500 ml per 150-200 liters of water per acre to combat this pest effectively.

Damage caused by top shoot borer: This pest attacks sugarcane from germination to maturity, with its larvae tunneling into the leaves, resulting in white streaks that later turn brown.

Methods of controlling top shoot borer:

• Apply 100 ml of Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% w/w SC (FMC Coragen) per acre.
• Mix 100 ml of Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambdacyhalothrin 9.5% ZC (DeHaat Entokill) with 150-200 liters of water per acre.

Damage caused by black bug: This pest remains highly active on sugarcane plants, sucking the sap from leaves, resulting in a yellowish appearance of the crop.

Methods of controlling black bug:

• Apply Verticillium lecanii 1.15% WP at the rate of 1 kg per acre at a fortnightly interval during the evening.
• Use 500 ml of Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% (DeHaat C Square) per acre.
• Apply 400-500 ml of Quinalphos 25% EC (Dhanuka Dhanulux) per acre.

Which pests are more prevalent in your sugarcane crop, and what remedies do you use to control them? Share your responses with us in the comments. For agri-advisory, you can also contact experts by calling DeHaat's toll-free number at 1800-1036-110. Furthermore, by following the 'Agri Doctor' channel, you can access even more information on proper crop care. Additionally, by liking and sharing this post, you can help this information reach other fellow farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which is the best pesticide for sugarcane?

A: Different pesticides are used to control various pests and diseases in sugarcane. Identify any disease or pest outbreak and then use appropriate pesticides. Before using pesticides, always consult with an agricultural expert.

Q: What should be done for good sugarcane yield?

A: For a good sugarcane yield, timely irrigation, proper use of fertilizers in the right quantity, and controlling pests are essential. Additionally, protecting the crop from diseases and pests can also lead to better sugarcane production.

Q: When should pesticide spraying be done?

A: Spraying pesticides in the morning or evening yields better results. Its effectiveness may be reduced in intense sunlight. Avoid using pesticides if rainfall is expected.