PERFORMANCE OF TRICHOGRAMMA CHILONIS FOR THE CONTROL OF GURDASPUR BORER IN SUGARCANE IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF NWFP

Abstract

Different doses of parasitoid eggs of Trichogramma chilonis viz. 8000, 10000, 12000, 14000, 16000, 18000 and 20000 per acre were tested against gurdaspur borer Bisetia steniellus in sugarcane ratoon crop during 2005 and 2006 in different districts of NWFP. Data were recorded on the basis of percent infestation from July through September, while cane yield (tons/ha) was recorded at the time of harvest. Cane samples of each treatment were analyzed in sugar analysis laboratory for commercial cane sugar percentage (CCS %) to calculate sugar yield (t/ha). The results showed that, all doses of parasitoid significantly reduced borer infestation and improved cane and sugar yields as compared to check plots. Significantly lowest borer infestation and highest cane and sugar yields were recorded in those plots where 16000 to 20000 (8 to 10 tricho cards per acre) were applied.