Characterization of damage caused by insect pests to sugar cane and management recommendations in Ecuador

Abstract

The cultivation of sugar cane represents more than 8% of GDP in Ecuador's economy. The research was carried out with the objective that sugarcane growers, professionals, students, and the general population have updated reference material that allows the identification of the main pest insects that can cause damage to their plantations, as well as, avoid or reduce losses that these enemies may cause to the sugarcane plantations. The tropical conditions present in the area where the sugar mills are located are favorable for the development of insect pests in sugarcane plantations, which is why permanent monitoring and control of those that affect this crop is carried out; the main ones being leafhopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida Kirkaldy), stem borer (Diatrae saccharalis Fabricius), spittlebug (Mahanarva andigena Jacobi) and striped weevil (Metamasius hemipterus L.); Timely management of these insects prevents them from causing large losses, which is fundamentally done through biological control as it is the most efficient way and does not cause damage to the environment.

Keywords: Sugarcane, Insect pests, Biological control.