Measures to Control Early Shoot Borer pest in Sugarcane crop

The early shoot borer, also known as Chilo infuscatellus, is a moth species that is a major pest of sugarcane crops, particularly in Asia. It is most damaging to young crops, aged 1-3 months, and can cause significant yield losses.

Short Description of Early Shoot Borer

Here is the detail information related to the Early Shoot Borer pest

Type of Infestation	Pest
Common name	Early Shoot Borer
Causal Organism	Chilo infuscatellus snellen
Affected Parts of the plant	Shoot

How to Identify an Early Shoot Borer ?

The life cycle of Early Shoot Borer typically takes around 35-40 days to complete.

• Adult: Pale grayish brown moth with black dots near the costal margin of the forewings and white hindwings.
• Egg: Flat, scale-like eggs laid in clusters of 8-60 eggs in 3 to 5 rows on the underside of the leaf sheaths.
• Larva: Dirty white with five dark violet longitudinal stripes and a dark brown head.

Favorable factors of Early Shoot Borer

shoot and fruit borer thrive in warm and humid environments. Temperatures between 25-30°C and relative humidity above 70% are ideal for their development and reproduction.

Symptoms of Early Shoot Borer

It primarily targets young crops between 1-3 months old and can cause significant yield losses if left uncontrolled.

• Dead heart: The central shoot of the affected sugarcane plant dies, giving it a withered appearance. This "dead heart" can be easily pulled out of the ground.
• Wilting and drying: The central whorl of leaves surrounding the dead heart dries up and wilts.
• Bore holes: Small holes can be seen on the stem of the sugarcane plant, just above the ground level, where the borer entered.
• Foul odor: The damaged shoot may emit a foul odor due to the decaying plant tissue.

Control sugarcane early shoot borer

Adult moths lay eggs on the leaves of sugarcane plants. The eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars), which then tunnel into the sugarcane stalks, which results in weakening of the stem of Sugarcane crop. 

Products	Technical Names	Dosages
Fantastic	Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% w/w GR	4-7.5 Kg/ acre
Docter 505	Chloropyriphos 50 % + cypermethrin 5 % EC	300 ml per acre
Finish It	Organic Pest Controller	1 ml in 1 litre water
Fluben	Flubendiamide 39.35 % sc	40-50 ml/ acre

Apply the pesticide thoroughly to the base of the sugarcane shoots where the early shoot borers are likely to be active.

FAQs on Early Shoot Borer in Sugarcane

Q. What is the best time for application of insecticide? 

A. The best time to apply is 45-50 days after planting because it is the time of grand growth of the plant, which is highly attractive by Early Shoot Borers.

Q. What is the price of the Finish It Product?

A. Our product varies in different quantities, the 50 ml bottle costs arounds 450 rupees. 

Q. Best Product for Early Shoot Borer?

A. There is no best product specifically. For best results based on application time and population of pests, the product is recommended. 

Q. Symptoms of Early Shoot borer affected plants?

A. Tiny holes, wilting of leaves and hollow stems are the major symptoms of Early Shoot Borer pest. 

Q. Are there any traps for Early Shoot Borer? 

A. The special Lures are available for Early Shoot Borer pest controlling.

Also read - 

How to Control Mites pest in Sugarcane Crop
How to Control Mealybug pest in sugarcane Crop
How to Control Red Rot disease in Sugarcane Crop
How to Control Rust Disease in Sugarcane Crop