EVALUATION OF MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL METHODS FOR CONTROL OF BLACK BUG (CA VELERIUS SWEETI) IN SUGARCANE RATOON CROP

摘要

With the practice of repeated ratooning of sugarcane, Cavelerius sweeti (Slater & Mugomoto) has become a major pest of sugarcane in subtropical India (1). This pest survives as nymphs and adults in the central leaf whorl, under the sheathing bases ofleaves and in crop residues. Continuous parasitism of leaves causes them to turn pale yellow with brown rust eye shaped patches (2). The main source of outbreaks during summer is overwintering eggs all of which hatch simultaneously at moderate temperatures and humidities (3). Routine control measures include applying insecticidal sprays. Generally, the pest is already well established by the time sprays are applied. Chemical treatment effectively controls the pest but is unable to restore damage. Sanitation at the time of ratooning may help avoid damage. Trials were established to compare mechanical, sanitation and chemical methods of reducing pest inoculum.