The use of Erianthus arundinaceus as a trap crop for the stem borer Chilo sacchariphagus reduces yield losses in sugarcane: Preliminary results

The oviposition preference of Chilo sacchariphagus (Bojer) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) to Erianthus arundinaceus (Retz.) Jeswiet (Poaceae) was tested against sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) to assess whether effective control of the pest can be achieved in the field by using perimeter trap cropping with this plant species. Results from large cage and greenhouse experiments showed that E. arundinaceus clone 28NG7 acted as a dead-end trap plant, attracting oviposition by C. sacchariphagus females and hosting young larvae in terminal green leaves, but reducing by 4.8- to 7.5-fold the survival rate of larvae in stalk. Two field trials demonstrated the efficiency of trap cropping with E. arundinaceus, with a 2 to 9-fold reduction in number of bored internodes per stalk and a 22% mean increase in cane yield. In a third field trial, reduction of injury was observed up to 40 m from the E. arundinaceus border. We conclude that trap cropping with E. arundinaceus may reduce C. sacchariphagus damage in sugarcane crop. Further trials are needed to confirm these results in commercial fields.

► We tested trap cropping with Erianthus arundinaceus to control Chilo sacchariphagus.
► Erianthus was more attractive than sugarcane for ovipositing stem borer moths.
► Survival of stem borer larvae was lower on Erianthus than on sugarcane.
► Trap cropping with Erianthus reduced injuries on sugarcane and increased yield.
► Trap crop efficiency was observed up to 40 m within sugarcane field.