Annual report Project Integrated pest management of stem borers and insect vectors of viral diseases of sugarcane in Indonesia, 1 June 2009-31 May 2010

Abstract

The project focuses on the following elements: i. identification of the most important pests and diseases of sugarcane in Java, ii. the development of improved IPM practices for these pests and diseases, iii. better extension of these practices to the sugarcane farming community, and iv. the development of additional resources to assist extension activities. The extensive general surveys conducted in 2008-2009, where over 930 individual sugarcane fields were surveyed (to determine both the incidence and severity of these pests in Java), has been followed by the selection of a much smaller number of specifically-affected crops for detailed monthly monitoring. This is enabling the ecology of the different pests to be studied in more detail to provide a better understanding of the most efficient management strategies that could be applied. During the last 12 months, individual research experiments have also been conducted to further refine individual components of IPM strategies; these refined strategies will be integrated into the final project recommendations. A field experiment was established comparing application doses of the moth borer egg parasite Trichogramma; previously used release populations were compared with a higher release population. The results so far suggest previous recommendations were not optimal and will need to be changed. Sugarcane mosaic was found to be vectored in Java by the aphids Toxoptera citricida and Melanaphis sacchari. Molecular assay of commercial crop leaf samples has shown that over 80% leaves with mosaic symptoms are infected with sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSrMV); 3-5% are affected by sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV). This is the first time the incidence of the different mosaic pathogens in Java has been quantified. Training and project information meetings have been held in five factory areas, with total attendees being 185 people so far. Results from the project were outlined at each meeting and feedback gained from meeting participants. Participants related to project outcomes as well as information delivery in training workshops. Responses will be used to guide how future meetings are conducted as well as providing feedback for project planning purposes. Extension materials under development include a sugarcane pests and diseases field guide. Considerable progress was made during the last 12 months and a first draft is nearing completion. This publication will be in Indonesian, to be printed on water-proof paper, of pocket size and to become available in late 2010. Electronic materials from the guide will be used to develop other extension materials, including pamphlets, brochures and Powerpoint presentations.. An annual review meeting was held at Botu in eastern Java in April 2010. All project results were presented, results analysed and future directions decided. A report was written which also contains a summary of other travel by Australian scientists within the last 12 months. Travel was undertaken by entomologists, plant pathologists, the desktop publisher and extension staff. (Résumé d'auteur