Early Shoot Borer Control

Symptoms

Look for dead hearts in young shoots up to three to four months old, where the central whorl dries up and can be pulled out easily, giving off a foul smell. You see bore holes near the base of the shoot at ground level, and affected clumps show gaps and reduced tillering.

Damage

Early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus) attacks the crop in the early tillering stage and kills the central shoot, producing dead hearts. It is most damaging from March to June, especially under water stress and in ratoon crops. Heavy attack greatly reduces the number of millable canes and lowers yield.

Organic & cultural control

Release the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis at recommended intervals during the early stage. Remove and destroy dead heart shoots along with the larvae inside. Trash mulching and light earthing up discourage egg laying. Use pheromone traps for monitoring, and avoid water stress by giving timely irrigation which reduces borer attack.

Chemical control

Where the pest crosses the threshold in early stages, soil application of recommended granular insecticides such as chlorantraniliprole or fipronil near the base, followed by light irrigation, can be used. Always read and follow the product label, observe the pre-harvest interval, and consult your KVK or a qualified agronomist before applying.

Always follow the product label, the recommended pre-harvest interval, and your local KVK or agronomist. Pesticide approvals change, so verify before use.

Prevention

Plant healthy setts on time and ensure adequate, timely irrigation since water stress favours the borer. Practice trash mulching and earthing up, and avoid taking too many ratoons from a heavily infested crop. Remove dead heart shoots regularly, follow crop rotation, and release Trichogramma early in the season.