A monitoring-based system to enhance canegrub control best management practice for Isis sugarcane growers : final report GGP056

Abstract

The aim of GGP-056 was for growers to experience the effectiveness and practical value of monitoring canegrub risk as the basis for more cost-effective and efficient canegrub management: - taking the most appropriate option, including the most suitable insecticide treatment if and when and where needed, as opposed to current routines that are in the main effective but not as efficient as possible.

At a series of meetings organised through Isis Productivity Limited, the project concept was explained, and offers of assistance made to all who attended. Over the three crop years 2009-2011, 50 growers chose to interact with BSES Limited specialists in grub-monitoring processes, to identify their grub-risk potential and prepare appropriate management plans.

In the project, key at-risk fields were identified in discussion with each grower, and then an evaluation team sampled these fields for canegrubs and/or signs of activity. A total of 218 fields were monitored following grower request. Most growers were able to participate in the monitoring activity. All were given the risk-assessment results, and asked to outline and discuss and develop short- and long-term management options with the specialists, in view of this information.