Beyond imidacloprid - chemical and biorational alternatives for managing canegrubs

Canegrubs cause significant economic losses to sugarcane growers and if not managed more than 50 per cent of the growing area is potentially at risk, threatening the industry’s future via lost production. Currently industry relies on a single active ingredient (imidacloprid) to control canegrubs and loss of this product for any reason would have significant consequences for industry. To create a more robust integrated management strategy, this project explores and evaluates alternative control methods and compounds for suitability in the field and environment. This will give growers more confidence that there are chemical options available or with pending availability for managing cane grubs while also addressing water-quality considerations.