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Trapping Chilo sacchariphagus (Lepidotera : Crambidae) in sugarcane using synthetic pheromones

Way M.J., Goebel F.R., Conlong D.E.. 2004. Proceedings of the Annual Congress of the South African Sugar Technologists' Association, 78 : p. 291-295. Annual Congress of the South African Sugar Technologists' Association (SASTA). 78, 2004-07-27/2004-07-30, Durban (Afrique du Sud).

In June 2002, pheromone-trapping techniques were used successfully to detect the presence of Chilo sacchariphagus Bojer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sugarcane at Mafambisse and Marromeu sugar estates in Mozambique. Trap design, bait concentration, trap placement and moth flight activity were examined. A simple trap constructed from a 2-litre plastic bottle and baited with two commercial synthetic sex pheromone vials (1 mg each) attracted and retained males. In mature sugarcane individuals were caught mostly at 2 m above ground. In the first experiment at Mafambisse, trap efficiency was the highest at 58%. The highest overnight catch in a single trap was nine males. Positive attributes of pheromone trapping as a monitoring tool are low cost, ease of operation, sensitivity at low population levels, and selectivity that negates the need for sorting. Pheromone trapping was used as a complement to field scouting to determine the distribution of C. sacchariphagus in Mozambique on two other estates situated in the south of Mozambique. Moths were not detected. The pheromone-based trapping technique is being deployed in Malawi and South Africa as an early warning system for this pest. Additional uses include determining moth flight phenology and to examine the relationship between catches and infestation levels. Such knowledge would determine the period and intensity of moth attacks, and would help decide which and when control strategies are warranted.

Mots-clés : chilo suppressalis; saccharum; piégeage des animaux; phéromone; surveillance; insecte nuisible; mozambique

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