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Agricultural industry

Biological Control of Sugarcane Planthopper Showcases Effective and Sustainable Solution

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted in Kerala, India has demonstrated the effectiveness and sustainability of introducing the ectoparasitoid moth, Epiricania (= Fulgoraecia) melanoleuca, as a biocontrol agent to manage the sugarcane planthopper, Pyrilla perpusilla Walker. The study, conducted over a four-year period from 2021 to 2024, revealed that the parasitoid moth established and controlled the planthopper population within one to two years. The results showed that the parasitoid effectively reduced the planthopper population from 24.75 individuals per leaf to 0.03 individuals per leaf within a one-year period, maintaining control without augmentative efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ectoparasitoid moth, Epiricania (= Fulgoraecia) melanoleuca, was introduced as a biocontrol agent to manage the sugarcane planthopper, Pyrilla perpusilla Walker, in a sugarcane crop island ecosystem.
  • The parasitoid moth established and controlled the planthopper population within one to two years after the systematic release over a four-year period.
  • The parasitoid moi maintained effective control of the planthopper population without augmentative efforts, showing a remarkable synergistic effect with existing natural enemies and entomopathogenic fungi.
  • The study concluded that the parasitoid moth effectively managed the planthopper population, reducing the need for chemical interventions and promoting environmental balance.
  • The approach could serve as a sustainable solution to planthopper infestation in sugarcane crops.
  • The researchers involved in the study included B. Mahendran, M. Nisha, Sony Jayaraman, Savio Jacob Saji, P. Mahesh, R. Gopi, T. N. Madhu, and S. K. Pandey from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Sugarcane Breeding Institute.

Statistics:

  • The initial population of Pyrilla perpusilla Walker was 24.75 +/- 3.16 individuals per leaf.
  • After introduction and colonization of the parasitoid moth, Epiricania (= Fulgoraecia) melanoleuca, the planthopper population was reduced to 0.03 +/- 0.001 individuals per leaf within one year.
  • The parasitoid moth established and maintained effective control of the planthopper population without augmentative efforts over a four-year period.
  • The study was conducted from 2021 to 2024.

Sources:

  • Research: Biological Control of the Sugarcane Planthopper, Pyrilla Perpusilla By the Introduction and Colonization of Ectoparasitoid Moth, Epiricania (= Fulgoraecia) Melanoleuca In a Sugarcane Crop Island Ecosystem. BioControl, 2025.
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Sugarcane Breeding Institute.
  • Springer (www.springer.com).
  • BioControl (www.springerlink.com/content/1386-6141/).
  • NewsRx. Studies from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Sugarcane Breeding Institute Have Provided New Information about Sugarcane Crops [Biological Control of the Sugarcane Planthopper, pyrilla Perpusilla By the Introduction and ...]. Agriculture Week. October 30, 2025; p 393.

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