Studies on the biology of negatoria and childers Canegrubs as a basis for development of improved controls : SRDC final report BS77S

Abstract

The biology of the two most important species of canegrubs affecting sugarcane in southern Queensland. Childers canegrub (Antirogus parvulus Britton) and negatoria canegrub (Lepidiota negatoria Blackburn) was studied during a 5-year period. Rearing methods were developed and the phenology of each species was determined. Data were collected on development, mortality and reproduction in laboratory and field trials; these data were summarised as a computer model for each species. Various management scenarios were simulated using the computer models. Short crop-length (3-4 years) and consistent application of control measures (insecticide and plough-out) could drive populations of canegrubs to extinction after 5-8 generations. Further field data are needed to validate many of the results of the model.