INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF SUGARCANE DISEASES AND INSECTS IN PAKISTAN

摘要

One of the major factors of low cane and sugar yield in Pakistan is the insect pests and diseases. There are many diseases which infect sugarcane crop but the major diseases are Red rot (Collectotrichum falcatum), Whip smut (Ustilago scitaminea H. Sydon), Pokkah boeng (Fusarium moniliformae Schold), Brown stripe (Dreschelera sacchari Drech), Leaf Spot (Helminthosporium halodes) and Sugarcane rust (Puccinia melanocephala). Brown stripe and Leaf spots are also spreading in some of the varieties like BL-4 and Triton. New red rot strains have developed which is an other danger for the crop. These strains are developed mostly in the areas of north Punjab due to climatic conditions most suited for sugarcane diseases like red rot. In the recent years due to successive pre-monsoon rains, red stripe and pokkah boeng diseases have been spreading in the north and central Punjab. Many non-approved varieties like SPF-238, Co-1148, CP 70-1547 etc. have been attacked by these diseases. We must have a serious look upon it. Similarly, sugarcane insect pests are responsible for low cane and sugar yield. Top borer (Scirpophaga nivella), stem borer (Chilo infuscatellus), root borer (Emmalocera depressella), Gurduspur borer (Bissetia stenicellus), mites (Obigonichus indicus), black bug (Cavelerius excavatus) and sugarcane pyrilla (Pyrilla perpusilla) are major insects of sugarcane in Pakistan. White fly (Aleurolobus barodenses Maskell) and mealy bug ((Saccharicoccus sacchari) have recently been recorded in central Punjab like Kamalia and Pattoki areas. Integrated control management strategies of sugarcane diseases and insect pests are discussed.