Field efficacy and economics of insecticides against top borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis Walk (Pyralidae : Lepidoptera) of sugarcane

An experiment on field efficacy and economics of five insecticides excluding mechanical and untreated (control) were conducted against 3rd and 4th broods of top borer for three consecutive years (2011-12 to 2013-14) at SRI, Pusa. Among the treatments Cartap hydrochloride 4G @1000g/ha was found to be significantly superior treatment with lowest % incidence 4.8 and 4.2 at 3rd and 4th brood, respectively, as well as maximum yield (86.3 t/ha) and higher cost benefit ratio (1:4.03) among the treatment. The next best treatment was Carbofuran 3G @1000g/ha with 6.4; 5.7%,; 81.8 t/ha and 1:3.71 of incidence (3rd and 4th brood), yield and CB ratio, respectively. However, all the treatment was significantly and statistically better over control. Hence, Cartap hydrochloride or Carbofuran may be applied at time of earthing up for 3rd and 4th brood of top borer suppression below ETL.