and Integrated Pest Management - part - usaid

IPM ACTIVITIES IN SUGARCANE IN THAILAND
0. Prachuabmoh, A. Kusulwong,
K. Suwanarak, and P. Raksarast
Entomology and Zoology Division, Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Division, Botany and Weed Science Division, Department of Agriculture, and
Plant Protection Service Division, respectively
Departnent of Agricultural Extension, Bangkhen
Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Thailand is ranked fifth among the sugarcane producing countries in the
world with a total area of 0.58 million ha. The average yield is only 43.75 t/ha
compared to 80 t/ha in Australia. Climate, soil, insects, diseases, and weeds are
the major constraints to obtaining high yield and quality of sugarcane. Sixteen
out of 70 insect species found on sugarcane are considered important pests
(Prachuabmoh & Pitaksa 1986). The sugarcane borer complex consisting of
Chilo infuscatellusSnellen, Chilo sacchariphagusBojer, Sesamia inferens Wlk.,
and Scirpophaga excerptalis Wlk., is of major importance, causing an estimated
yield loss ol 6-40% in Thailand (Prachuabmoh et al. 1984). Other insects such
as the stem boring grub (Dorystenes buqueti Guerin) have become serious in
three recent years in sandy loam soil, causing an estimated yield loss of 13-43%
in infested areas (Prachuabmoh et al. 1986). The white leaf, smut, mosaic, and
red rot diseases, as well as variety decline, have greatly reduced yield and quality
of the cane.
In 1984, an integrated pest control (IPC) pilot project for sugarcane was
initiated in Thailand. An IPC working group was appointed through tile
cooperation of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Department of
Agricultural Extension (DOAE).
The objectives of the project were to develop an IPC program to improve
yield and quality of sugarcane by incorporating cultural, chemical and biological
methods so that pest populations may be maintained at tolerable levels and crop
loss may be decreased. In addition, the IPC working group aimed to train
farmers in the IPC program using field trials and demonstration plots. Screening
for resistant varieties and multiplication of the healthy seed pieces from tie IPC
nursery plots at the farmers' level are emphasized in the project (Kusalwong
1986). Weed control is directed at the major species - Dactyloctenium
aegyptium Willd., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., Echinochloa colonum (L.)
Link., Cyperus rotundus L., Arnaranthus spinosus L., and Trianthema
portulacastrumL. (Suwannarak & Kongsaengdow 1987).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Demonstration plots of sugarcane consisted of integrated pest management
(IPM)plots and farmers' plots. They were set up in two provinces, Cholbri