Pest, disease and weed management

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://elibrary2.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/13843

Research outcomes: A comprehensive RD&E program that addresses existing and emerging pests, diseases and weeds, allowing sugarcane growers to manage their crops efficiently with minimal environmental impacts. An enhanced industry capacity to deal with incursions of exotic pests, diseases and weeds.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 181

Report to the Government of Ceylon on the diseases of sugar cane in Ceylon
(BSES, 1961) Egan, BT
Three commercially important diseases of sugar cane were noted during a survey of sugar cane plantings in Ceylon. Several potentially dangerous diseases were seen, while other diseases of minor importance were also present. Recommendations have been made for the control of all important diseases present, and on quarantine procedure to be followed to prevent the entrance of others.
A method for the rapid identification of ratoon stunting disease in sugar cane
(BSES, 1977) Steindl, DRL
Work with the electron microscope established a slender coryneform - type bacterium is constantly present in the sap of known ratoon stunting diseased plants and is absent from healthy plants. Purpose of project was to determine whether a reliable method of diagnosing doubtful cases of the disease could be based on the fundings of such organisms in the extracted sap, either by election or phase - contrast microscopy.
Inheritance of Fiji disease resistance
(BSES, 1981) Hogarth, DM; Ryan, CC
Various projects have been conducted in recent years to study the inheritance of resistance to Fiji disease. In this report the results of these studies are presented and the implications for the plant breeding programme discussed.
Effects of natural enemies on soldier fly (Inopus rubriceps) populations in Queensland
(BSES, 1983) Robertson, LN
A study was initiated in 1981 to determine the role of natural enemies of soldier fly in south east Queensland. The objective of this work was to gain an understanding of soldier fly population dynamics in its native range. This paper presents information from a survey conducted to assess the degree of predation, parasitism and disease in soldier fly populations in Queensland. Intensive studies of natural enemies and population dynamics in south east Queensland are still in progress and will be reported in detail at a later date.
Studies into races of sugarcane rust
(BSES, 1984) Taylor, PWJ
A technique was developed for testing for physiological races of sugarcane rust. A range of cultivars were inoculated with a single spore isolate of Puccinia melanocephala by discharging 3 mg of urediospores into a spore settling tower by compressed air at 200 kPa pressure for one second with a settling time of ten minutes. A range of reaction types were obtained using this method. These reaction types were similar to reactions on naturally infected field grown plants. Components of stable resistance such as generation time, uredia number per mm2 and uredia diameter were also evaluated. The more resistant cultivars had fewer uredia per mm2 compared to the susceptible cultivars. No difference was recorded in generation times and size of uredia. The age of the leaf inoculated (between 24 and 75 days) did not have any apparent effect on host reaction type, generation time, uredia number and uredia size.
The evaluation of rope-wick application of glyphosate as a method of chemical weed control in some typical farm locations
(BSES, 1984) Linedale, AI
The effectiveness of rope-wick application of glyphosate (as Roundup) in controlling the common reed Phragmites australis in the Moreton and Rocky Point areas has fostered interest in this method of chemical weed control for general farm use. Further incentive to investigate this potential was provided by reported savings of chemical costs when compared to spray application, and the absence of associated drift problems with non-target species. In-crop application was estimated to be the area of greatest extra potential for rope-wick technology. Since application in the interspace between sugarcane rows would provide a critical testing situation for general farm application, inter-row strip trials were conducted in growing crops on four sites with an applicator developed specifically for that purpose. Additionally, a trial conducted concurrently with the project has resulted in a more precise evaluation of control of the common reed by the rope-wick method.
Acquisition of Fiji disease virus by Perkinsiella saccharicida kirk and observations on its instars
(BSES, 1984) Croft, BJ; Ryan, CC
The first, second and third instars of Perkinsiella saccharicida were the only stages which transmitted Fiji disease virus to healthy Q70 plants after a 48 hour access feed on diseased plants. A key to distinguish the developmental stages of P.saccharicida was developed with the main distinguishing features being eye colour, and the shape, length and relationship, one to the other, of the fore and hind wing pads.
Development of a fungicide spray schedule to determine the effect of sugarcane rust (Puccinia melanocephala) on yield
(BSES, 1984) Taylor, PWJ; Croft, BJ; Ryan, CC
This study reports on work carried out to develop a fungicide spray program which is suitable for yield loss assessment investigations. Aspects examined include the efficacy of various concentrations of chlorothalonil and oxycarboxin on rust, the frequency of application of one concentration of chlorothalonil or oxycarboxin on level of infection, and arrangement of spray nozzles to give good coverage of fungicides.
The effect of sugarcane rust (Puccinia melanocephala) on yield
(BSES, 1985) Taylor, PWJ; Croft, BJ; Ryan, CC
This report details the results obtained from two trials to assess yeild loss caused by sugarcane rust and also outlines the epiphytotiology of the rust disease.
Bioassay for comparing levels of pythium graminicola in soils
(BSES, 1987) Croft, BJ
In the study of any soil borne pathogen it is essential to have some technique for determining the level of the pathogen in the soil. The levels of Pythium species in soil have been measured by soil dilution plating on selective media (Dick and Ali-Shtayeh 1986. Trans. Br. Mycol. Soc. 86(1):49-62). However species with lobulate sporangia are not frequently isolated on these media and bioassay techniques have been developed for these fungi (Stanghellini and Kronland 1985. Phytopathology 75:1242-1245). In Hawaii, pineapple roots have been used as baits in a bioassay for P. graminicola Subr. (Adair 1972. Hawaii. Plant. Rec. 58:213-240). However, considerable space is required to maintain pineapple plants and they are not always readily available. Poor Root Syndrome (PRS) of sugarcane in Queensland causes serious crop losses (Egan et al. 1984 ASSCT p 1-9). A Pachymetra sp. (formerly referred to as the root rot fungus) which rots the primary roots of the sugarcane plant, and P. graminicola which can restrict fine root development, are two pathogens consistently found in affected soils (Croft and Magarey, 1984 ASSCT Conf. p 55-61). The study of the role of P. graminicola in the sugarcane PRS in Queensland has been hampered by the lack of a means of quantifying the level of this species in soils. This paper outlines the development of a sorghum bioassay (SB) for P. graminicola using sorghum seedling roots.
Development of a biological control against sugarcane poor root syndrome
(BSES, 1987) Birch, RG
The overall objective of the project was to search for and develop an economically effective biocontrol against sugarcane poor root syndrome (PRS). The disease was known to be caused by two pathogenic fungi: Pythium graminicola and an unnamed oomycete causing flaccid root rot. The seriousness of this newly recognised disease, and the dearth of economic controls warranted the effort necessary for such a search.
Herbicide efficacy screen North Queensland 1986 season
(BSES, 1987) Williams, RC
In 1984 a wide range of herbicide treatments were evaluated against a number of weed species. Results demonstrated the weakness and strengths of various products, and the optimum timing of application. To further improve the knowledge of currently registered herbicides and of those which may have some potential for use in cane, another series of trials were laid down in 1986.
Rodent management in sugarcane: A co-operative study involving Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations, Queensland University of Technology, Sugar Research Council
(BSES, 1990) BSES; QUT; SRC
Varietal control of ratoon stunting disease (RSD) of sugarcane
(BSES, 1990)
Ratoon stunting disease, caused by the xylem-limited bacterium Clavibacter xyli subsp. xyli, is prevalent in most sugarcane-producing countries, including Australia. It is regarded as the most damaging disease of sugarcane and under unfavourable conditions, principally drought stress, yield of intolerant cultivars may be reduced by 50%. Control of RSD has been hindered by the fact that it produces no obvious symptoms. Recommended control measures of heat therapy and farm hygiene have failed to adequately control the disease and it remains present at high levels in a number of countries where such control has been attempted for many years. Genetic variation for RSD susceptibility has been recognised since discovery of the disease in 1950 and work towards genetic control of RSD ,•/as begun at Macknace with CSR funding in 1986. When SRDC funding for the work was sought in January, 1988, the stated Objectives were:- 1. To develop pot-testing procedures to reliably and economically rate varieties for RSD resistance. 2. To rate existing commercial varieties for RSD resistance so that growers may manage them more effectively. 3. To select varieties with improved RSD resistance from existing seedling populations. 4. To eventually breed specifically for improved RSD resistance.
Viability of the seed of itch grass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) in the Burdekin district
(BSES, 1990) Freshwater, IT; Benson, AJ
Itch grass, raoul grass, or guinea fowl grass emerged as a problem weed of sugarcane fields in the Burdekin district of North Queensland during the late 1970s - early 1980s. It is considered to be a native of tropical Asia, but has become endemic to many other tropical areas, and is a major weed of sugarcane in Eastern Africa, the Philippines, West Indies, Trinidad, Florida and Louisiana. Itch grass has been recorded in Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, New Guinea, Mississippi and Texas and has been described as rapidly becoming one of the world's worst weeds. In the Burdekin canegrowing district, itch grass occurs in varying degrees of infestation over an assigned area of 1 600 ha. From the intital infestation on one farm in 1964, the grass has been recorded on 33 farms in the Pioneer Mill area, one in the Kalamia Mill area, and three in the Inkerman Mill area (see Map, Appendix 1). The project described in this paper was initiated early in 1983 to determine the viability of itch grass seed under field conditions. It was reasoned that the results from the project could be used to define more clearly strategies necessary to effect efficient control of this weed.
Enhancement potential of 'Ethokem' in control of the common reed (Phragmites australis) using glyphosate
(BSES, 1991) Linedale, AI
A significant, positive response trend to the addition of the adjuvant Ethokem to Roundup has demonstrated the potential for this additive to enhance herbicidal activity when applied to control the common reed, Phragmites australis. Efficacy was not elevated to acceptable levels in any of the Roundup:Ethokem combinations tested. The trial results have indicated however, that further investigation of the enhancement potential of Ethokem at concentrations in excess of 0.37% v/v at the 6 L rate of Roundup, is warranted.
Assessment of the potential of sex pheromones as strategic lures for the control of canegrubs : SRDC final report BS17S
(BSES, 1991) Allsopp, PG; Stickley, BDA
Sex pheromones were shown to be emitted by females of Antitrogus consanguineus, A. parvulus and L. picticollis. Attraction of males of L. picticollis to females of A. consanguineus shows that the compound or compounds involved are similar in those two species. Detection of pheromones was probably related to the morphology of the adult antennae. One compound was present in emissions of adult female L. negatoria, but this compound could not be identified.
Population dynamics of Inopus rubriceps in sugarcane fields with emphasis on bionomic factors assisting pest management (Final report SRDC Project BS11S)
(BSES, 1991) Samson, PR
Restrictions were placed on the use of dieldrin in 1987 and its registration for use in the sugar industry lapsed in mid-1991. As no other insecticide is presently available to replace dieldrin, there is an urgent need to develop alternative control strategies. Robertson (1984). PhD thesis. UQ identified organisms predatory and parasitic on the pupal stages of soldier fly as exerting significant population control. A detailed study of the effect of biological control agents and cultural conditions may enable an effective pest management program to be developed for soldier fly.
Pachymetra chaunorhiza as a factor involved in stool tipping in North Queensland : SRDC final report BS33S
(BSES, 1991) Magarey, RC
The objectives of this project were to determine the soil and environmental factors favouring Pachymetra root rot, and how these contributed to stool tipping in the moderately resistant and susceptible varieties Q117 and Q124.
Assessment of various food constituents as feeding attractants for canegrubs in a pest control program : SRDC final report BS35S
(BSES, 1991) Allsopp, PG
Cellulose acetate filter disks were used to evaluate sugars, amino acids and ascorbic acid as feeding stimulants for canegrubs. Fourteen sugars, 18 amino acids and ascorbic acid were tested with third instars of Antitrogus parvulus Britton and Lepidiota negatoria Blackburn. The sugars D-fructose, D-mannose, D-sucrose, D-trehalose, D-melezitose and D-raffinose stimulated feeding by L. negatoria; sucrose and raffinose stimulants, at 1M concentration for A. parvulus and at 2M concentration for L. negatoria. The amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and L-histidine monohydrochloride stimulated feeding by L. negatoria; only L-tyrosine stimulated feeding by A. parvulus. L-ascorbic acid did not stimulate feeding by either species.