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ESTABLISHING A PHEROMONE TRAPPING PROGRAM TO AID IN EARLY MANAGEMENT DECISIONS OF LESSER CORNSTALK BORERS IN SUGARCANE

Applied Research

Leslie Baucum
Extension Agent III, MS
HENDRY COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
LABELLE

Abstract

Lesser-cornstalk-borer (LCB) is a pest of sugarcane in Florida with increasing levels of damage being noted recently.  Research indicates potential yield losses of 14%-70% when young plant-sugarcane is infested at the 3-7 leaf stage.  Often by the time significant LCB damage is noted in the field, yield-reduction has already occurred.  Objectives:  To establish a LCB early warning system that helps growers make early management decisions.  To determine if pheromone traps can help predict future damage.  To determine if the location of a trap within a field will affect the number of moths trapped.  Methods: LCB pheromone monitoring sites were established in two plant-sugarcane fields and one ratoon-sugarcane field.  Traps were placed near the corners and in the middle of each site to determine if trap orientation within the field influenced the number of LCB trapped and if number of LCB trapped would be an early indicator of plant damage.  Results: Location within the field had no effect on LCB counts.  Peak LCB counts generally were followed by increased plant damage.  Conclusions:  A plant-sugarcane field can produce over 15,000 pounds of sugar/acre; early detection and control of LCB can prevent significant yield losses.  Early management decisions preventing a 10% loss equals saved income of $250-$300/acre.  Pheromone traps were more effective than scouting to predict populations of LCB and can be used to help make early management decisions.  For 2013/2014 growers who were supplied with and taught to self-monitor pheromone traps found them useful in making early LCB management decisions.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: L. Baucum, R. Rice, J. Taylor
  1. Baucum, L. Extension Agent III, MS, NACAA/FACAA HENDRY COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE, Florida, 33975
  2. Rice, R. Extension Agent IV, NACAA/FACAA Palm Beach County Extension, Florida, 33430
  3. Taylor, J. Agronomy Service Representative, Syngenta Crop Protection, Florida, 33408