Way M.J., Rutherford R.S., Sewpersad C., Leslie G.W., Keeping M.G.
South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa
Way, M.J., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Rutherford, R.S., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Sewpersad, C., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Leslie, G.W., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Keeping, M.G., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa
Two field trials were conducted on the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) research farm at Gingindlovu to study the effect of sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on various parameters relating to sugarcane yield. Stalk yield components measured were: cane (grams/stalk); sucrose (grams/stalk); Brix % dry matter; purity %; dry matter % cane; fibre % cane; Brix % cane; Pol % cane; ERC % cane. Stalk characteristics measured were: mean stalk length (cm); number of stalks per plot; and stalk diameter. Final yields were assessed as tons cane/ha and tons sucrose/ha. The experiment design allowed comparison between F. serrata numbers in untreated sugarcane and sugarcane treated with the insecticide, imidacloprid. F. serrata numbers were significantly lower in treated sugarcane. Yield reductions attributable to F. serrata infestations of between 18.0 and 26.8% (tons cane/ha) and between 16.2 and 24.0% (tons sucrose/ha), were measured in these trials.