Effect of armyworms Mythimna spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cane growth in Mauritius
| MSI05P4140 | |
| Ganeshan, S. | |
| Effect of armyworms Mythimna spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cane growth in Mauritius | |
| periodical article | |
| 2005 | |
| Proc. int. Soc. Sug. Cane Technol. | |
| 25 (2): 730-734 | |
| En | |
| En Fr Sp | |
| An upsurge in the population of armyworms causing defoliation of young regrowth of machine-harvested sugarcane fields has been observed since 1992. Every year, about 15 per cent of the area harvested mechanically is damaged. Due to the suddenness and the spectacular nature of the damage (total defoliation within a few days), growers often resort to insecticides to control the pest. The effect of defoliation on cane growth and the need for insecticide applications were assessed. Results indicate that fields damaged prior to October could recover from the damage, and no significant reduction in growth or tillering was observed. Fields damaged after October did not recover, and up to 16 per cent reduction in cane height was observed in totally defoliated plots. No significant difference in cane height or tiller density was observed in the two damage simulation trials which were established in September. These results indicate that insecticide treatment is not warranted when infestations by armyworms occur before October. Later infestations should be treated to avoid cane growth reduction. | |
| Sugarcane pests armyworms Mythimna defoliation mechanical harvesting cane growth harvest date | |
| Mauritius | |
| Sugarcane: Pests, pest control and management | |
| Insect pests: Armyworms | |
| 2005-02-23 | |
| en | |
| LIB | |
| CAT | |
| Ento |