ABUNDÂNCIA E MANEJO DE DIATRAEA SACCHARALIS EM CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR NO MATO GROSSO DO SUL

Abstract

Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane. One of the factors influencing production and product quality is the infestation of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis, which is present in all regions where the crop is cultivated. The objective of this study was to assess the abundance of the sugarcane borer in various sugarcane production areas in the Vale do Ivinhema region, MS. The region features a tropical climate with well-defined seasons, characterized by hot and rainy summers and slightly cold, dry winters. The study was conducted on five farms located in the municipality of Nova Andradina. Traps were strategically placed on the border or up to 2 meters inside the plot, generally at carriage crossings. These traps were affixed to sugarcane leaves to protect them from direct sunlight without compromising wind flow and pheromone dispersion. Monitoring of sugarcane borer adults took place from November 2021 to October 2022, with collections carried out monthly. D. saccharalis males were captured in traps containing virgin females, separated through sexual dimorphism, and subsequently counted to determine control levels. To assess the impact of different sugarcane genetic varieties on sugarcane borer density over twelve months, data underwent analysis of variance. Georeferenced points were selected for trap installation, and the influence of farm-specific factors, such as management practices, on sugarcane borer density was evaluated for farms using the same sugarcane cultivar. Contrasts between treatments were assessed using the Tukey method. When analyzing monthly results, a general pattern emerged, indicating that infestation by D. saccharalis was most intense from November to April, with a subsequent reduction from May to October. This pattern can be attributed to climatic influences on the pest's survival and reproduction. The fluctuation in D. saccharalis populations is locally significant, varying significantly between different areas due to climatic and edaphic factors inherent to the plants and their conditions. Recommendations for integrated pest management in sugarcane crops include intensive monitoring of the pest during critical periods, adoption of resistant varieties, biological control, cultural control, and controlled implementation of chemical measures in accordance with technical recommendations.