UP issues sugarcane pest alert as heat triggers black bug, thrips infestation

Lucknow: The department of sugarcane development has issued an alert regarding the protection of the cane crop from pests.

According to additional sugarcane commissioner VK Shukla, currently, due to high temperatures, an infestation of sucking pests is being observed in both the plant crop and the ratoon crop of sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh, which is likely to have an adverse impact on the crop's growth and productivity.

He said that the Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Research Council, Shahjahanpur, has shared detailed information with farmers regarding the identification, symptoms and effective control measures for these sucking pests.

Shukla said that the Kala Chikta (black bug) infestation is typically observed during periods of high temperature and dry weather — generally from April to June — appearing more frequently in the ratoon crop and less so in the plant crop.

The leaves of affected plants turn yellow and exhibit reddish-brown spots. The nymphs (immature stages) of this pest are found lodged between the leaf sheath and the spindle (unopened leaves) of the sugarcane stalk.

Likewise, the thrips are very small insects, measuring approximately 2-3 mm in size. Their infestation spreads rapidly during periods of high temperature and dry weather. The tips of the affected leaves curl up and become pointed. The affected leaves turn white or yellow, starting from the tip and progressing downwards. Their population begins to decline as soon as the monsoon rains commence.

According to research scientists, to control these three pests, irrigation of field at regular intervals is essential.

“Keep the field free of weeds and dry sugarcane leaves. Use balanced fertilisers," Shukla said.