The Childers canegrub (Antitrogus parvulus) is a significant pest of sugarcane in southern Queensland, particularly in the Bundaberg and Isis regions. It is one of over 20 native canegrub species in Australia and is especially problematic in areas with red volcanic soils and heavy alluvial sodsols.
Larvae: The larvae are C-shaped, creamy-white grubs with a brown head capsule. They can grow up to 30 mm in length and are typically found feeding on sugarcane roots.
Adults: The adult beetles are reddish-brown, approximately 10–12 mm in length, with a hard, glossy exoskeleton.
Childers canegrubs feed on the roots of sugarcane plants, leading to poor growth and stool loss at harvest. Their feeding can cause significant economic losses in sugarcane production. Unlike many other pests, canegrub treatments usually need to be applied when the pest is not present. Therefore, treatment decisions are made based on historical infestation data, the presence of canegrubs in an earlier crop, and an assessment of the likelihood of future infestations.
Monitoring: Regularly inspect fields for signs of canegrub activity, such as wilting or yellowing plants, which may indicate root damage.
Risk Assessment: Conduct risk assessments based on historical infestation data and current field conditions to determine the need for treatment.
Chemical Control: Insecticides, such as imidacloprid, have been used to control canegrub populations. However, treatments are typically applied when the pest is not present, based on risk assessments.
Cultural Practices: Implementing crop rotation and maintaining healthy soil conditions can help reduce the likelihood of canegrub infestations.
| Antitrogus parvulus |
The Childers canegrub (Antitrogus parvulus) is a significant pest of sugarcane in southern Queensland, particularly in the Bundaberg and Isis regions. It is one of over 20 native canegrub species in Australia and is especially problematic in areas with red volcanic soils and heavy alluvial sodsols.
Larvae: The larvae are C-shaped, creamy-white grubs with a brown head capsule. They can grow up to 30 mm in length and are typically found feeding on sugarcane roots.
Adults: The adult beetles are reddish-brown, approximately 10–12 mm in length, with a hard, glossy exoskeleton.
Childers canegrubs feed on the roots of sugarcane plants, leading to poor growth and stool loss at harvest. Their feeding can cause significant economic losses in sugarcane production. Unlike many other pests, canegrub treatments usually need to be applied when the pest is not present. Therefore, treatment decisions are made based on historical infestation data, the presence of canegrubs in an earlier crop, and an assessment of the likelihood of future infestations.
Monitoring: Regularly inspect fields for signs of canegrub activity, such as wilting or yellowing plants, which may indicate root damage.
Risk Assessment: Conduct risk assessments based on historical infestation data and current field conditions to determine the need for treatment.
Chemical Control: Insecticides, such as imidacloprid, have been used to control canegrub populations. However, treatments are typically applied when the pest is not present, based on risk assessments.
Cultural Practices: Implementing crop rotation and maintaining healthy soil conditions can help reduce the likelihood of canegrub infestations.
