DuPont develops innovative method to reduce pressure of Sugarcane Borer

Researches of the sugarcane industry point out that the action of the Sugarcane Borer results in annual losses of nearly R$ 3 billion in Brazil. According to DuPont agronomist Cristian Menegatti, Diatraea saccharallis, the scientific name of the moth, reproduces quickly and rises up to five generations per season. It became the most damaging plague to cane plantations. This scenario, says the executive, has taken the company to study new techniques for management with the use of the insecticide Altacor.

Altacor is an agrochemical belonging to the class of anthranilic diamides, originating from the last generation molecule Rynaxypyr (Chlorantraniliprole, 350g/kg), developed by DuPont. The product, according to the company, is selective to Cotesia flavipes, the “little wasp” used at the biological control of the Sugarcane Borer. It presents yet a favorable environmental profile, low toxicity, high insecticide potential, rapid action and prolonged period of pest control of up to 60 days in the conventional application.

According to Menegatti, the company staff has collected highly satisfactory results in the application of insecticide directly into the crop furrow at the moment of the cane planting. “We have verified that the method brings good development of sugarcane since budding. The plant grows free of borer for over 150 days,” highlights the agronomist.

Menegatti adds that in the mills meiosis is employed – a method that consist in interweaving other crops with sugarcane-, the use of Altacor at the stage of planting also favored the production of healthy seedlings. The DuPont executive yet highlights that the reduction of cultural treatments and investments on technology, strongly affect by the economic retraction, tends to maintain elevated the plague pressure in this ongoing season.

"At the areas with history of borer in which there are structural difficulties or lack of labor to monitor the pest, the treatment method at the planting stage is an effective alternative to preserve the health of the cane plantation and avoid financial losses resulting from the loss of the raw material,” affirms Menegatti.

In the conventional treatment of the crop plantation with Altacor, explains Menegatti, DuPont recommends an application of the product in the harvest, the dose of 60 grams per hectare, as soon as the pest is found in the crop. “In this case, the key for the effective chemical control is the precise monitoring, especially in areas where there is history of borer attacks,” adds the agronomist.