EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONTROL METHODS ON THE INFESTATION OF BORERS IN SUGARCANE PLANT AND RATOON CROPS

Different control methods viz. mechanical, cultural, biological and chemical were tested individually and in combination against borers in both plant and ratoon crops of sugarcane during 2001 through 2003 at Sugar Crops Research Institute Mrardan. Data were recorded on the basis of percent infestation of borers from April to September, while cane yield (tons/ ha) was recorded at the time of harvest. Cane samples of each treatment were analyzed in sugar analysis laboratory for commercial cane sugar percentage (CCS %) to calculate sugar yield (t/ha). The results showed that, all the control methods significantly reduced borers infestation and improved cane and sugar yields as compared to check plots. Significantly lowest borers infestation and highest cane and sugar yields were recorded in those plots where all control methods were applied in combination