PESTS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN SUGARCANE (Saccharum officinarum L.) CULTURE IN THE STATE OF ALAGOAS

Abstract

Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugar cane. Alagoas is the largest producer in the Northeast. In 2014, the sugar and alcohol sector accounted for 96% of state exports. There are 4 main pests in sugar cane in Alagoas. Sugarcane borer, Diatraea impersonatella and Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Damage caused by the caterpillar can be direct due to the opening of galleries in the culm, resulting in: weight loss and wind fall; plant death; aerial rooting and formation of lateral shoots. Indirect damage: Red rot, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum falcatum and Fusarium moniliforme, reversing sucrose and reducing broth purity. Leafhopper Mahanarva fimbriolata (Hemiptera: Cercopidae). When young they feed on the roots, preventing or hindering the flow of water and nutrients in it. There may be dehydration and stem thinning. Direct damages are reduction of photosynthetic area and consequently reduction of sucrose; stem deterioration; reduction in productivity. Indirect damages: reduction of sugar quality and quantity, reduction of juice purity and increase of contaminants in it. Giant borer, Telchin licus licus (Lepidoptera: Castiniidae). In adulthood, the pest lays loose eggs at the base of the cane clump. After hatching, the caterpillars look for the plants, where they enter the culm, making galleries. The larval phase lasts from 2 to 10 months. The insect remains feeding on rhizomes and roots after sugarcane cutting. The giant drill also causes the death of the flag leaf, killing the plant. Approximately eight species of termites were marked in sugarcane fields. Termites are insects of underground habit. Damage occurs in the early phase of the crop, attacking newly planted stalks, damaging buds and causing germination failures.