Detailed Explanation of the Harm Caused by Sugarcane Termites and Control Methods
The main sugarcane termites are Odontotermes formosanus and Macrotermes barneyi. Sugarcane is subject to termite damage throughout its entire growth period, with the most severe damage occurring during the germination stage after planting. When attacking seed cane, they mostly invade through the cut ends at both sides, boring into and feeding on the internal tissues of the stem, preventing the seed pieces from sprouting. In the mid-to-late stages, they bore in through the underground cane stem, causing the interior of the stem to become hollow, leaves to turn yellow or tips to dry out, and the entire plant to wither and die.
The main sugarcane termites are Odontotermes formosanus and Macrotermes barneyi. Sugarcane is subject to termite damage throughout its entire growth period, with the most severe damage occurring during the germination stage after planting. When attacking seed cane, they mostly invade through the cut ends at both sides, boring into and feeding on the internal tissues of the stem, preventing the seed pieces from sprouting. In the mid-to-late stages, they bore in through the underground cane stem, causing the interior of the stem to become hollow, leaves to turn yellow or tips to dry out, and the entire plant to wither and die.
Control methods: First, per hectare, select granular formulations such as bisultap, 5% phoxim·fipronil, 5% carbosulfan, 5% monosultap·chlorpyrifos, 4.5% trichlorfon·chlorpyrifos at 45-75 kg, or 15% chlorpyrifos granules at 15-18 kg, mix evenly with 600 kg of dry fine soil or chemical fertilizer, and broadcast into the planting furrow before covering with soil. Second, use plants that termites prefer to feed on, such as pine branches, eucalyptus bark, and sugarcane residue, to set up bait traps. When large numbers of termites have been attracted into the traps, chemical agents such as mirex, chlorpyrifos, and phoxim can be used for spraying to kill them.