Control of the Sugarcane Borer with Insecticides

Abstract
In tests conducted in Louisiana in 1956, 1957, and 195R, good control of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), was obtained from four biweekly applications of 2% endrin on 30-60 mesh RVM-AA attapulgite granules broadcast over cane fields at the approximate rate of 12 pounds per acre per application. Dust formulations of endrin were not always effective. There was no appreciable difference between the control obtained or yield increases resulting from eight weekly or four biweekly applications of endrin granules While some insect control and yield response usually followed treatment with 40% ryania dust, this insecticide was inferior to endrin for controlling the sugarcane borer. An experimental granulated formulation containing 40% ryania gave no better control than the commercial preparation of 40% rvunia dust. A granulated Thiodan® (6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9.9a-hexahydro -6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin-3-oxide) formulation was the only insecticide among several tested which gave borer control comparable to that resulting from end rill treatments. Treatment with DDT resulted ill increased losses caused by the sugarcane borer.