Training on Integrated Management of Stem Borer and Root Grub in Sugarcane

Sugarcane is one of the major commercial crops cultivated in Sangareddy district. However, insect pests such as the early shoot borer (stem borer) and white grub (root grub) pose serious threats to crop productivity, particularly during the monsoon season. Recognizing the need to equip farmers with effective pest management strategies, DDS – Krishi Vigyan Kendra organized a comprehensive training programme on the Integrated Management of Stem Borer and Root Grub in Sugarcane.

As sugarcane planting in the region is predominantly carried out during March and April, infestations of these pests generally occur after the onset of the monsoon, leading to yield losses of nearly 30–40 percent if timely management practices are not adopted. The training programme aimed to create awareness among farmers about preventive, eco-friendly and economically viable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.

During the technical session, Dr. N. Snehalatha explained preventive and control measures including early planting, trash mulching, maintaining adequate soil moisture, timely earthing up, removal of dead hearts, installation of pheromone and light traps, release of Trichogramma chilonis, and recommended chemical and biological control options. For root grub management, emphasis was given on deep summer ploughing, proper irrigation, avoiding ratoon cropping, neem cake application, and manual collection of adult beetles after summer showers.

To promote environmentally sustainable pest management, bio-inputs including Metarhizium, Beauveria and Trichoderma were distributed to the participating farmers. Detailed guidance was provided on the recommended dosage, application methods and the appropriate stage of crop growth for their effective use.

The programme also featured an expert lecture by Smt. Vijayalakshmi, Agricultural Research Station, Basanthpur. She shared valuable insights on scientific fertilizer management, suitable sugarcane varieties for the region, expected yield potential, and integrated weed management practices to improve crop productivity and profitability.

A total of 40 farmers actively participated in the programme. The interactive discussions and practical recommendations enabled farmers to clarify their field-level problems and gain confidence in adopting integrated pest management practices.

Through such capacity-building initiatives, DDS-KVK  continues to strengthen farmers knowledge on sustainable crop protection technologies, helping reduce pest-induced losses, lower dependence on chemical pesticides, and improve sugarcane productivity through eco-friendly and integrated farming practices.