Seasonal Incidence and Eco Friendly Management of White Grub in Sugarcane Using Entomopathogenic Nematode and Entomopathogenic Fungus in Andhra Pradesh, India

High rainfall with increase in humidity (68% to 75%) along with a decrease in temperature ( 3 to 5°C less than usual ) during June, July, and August months favor the emergence of white grub beetles, its egg laying which in turn resulted in severe sugarcane clump damage by white grubs in July, August and September months. Seasonal incidence of white grub in sugarcane growing areas in Andhra Pradesh state showed that damage of sugarcane clumps caused by white grubs infestation was significantly high in march ratoon compared to February ratoon crop; January plant crop and low in January seedling plant crop. Grub damage recorded high in 4 months age sugarcane ratoon crop and low in 6 months and 7 months age sugarcane plant crop. Field efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode and entomopathogenic fungus in the management of white grub, Holotrichia consanguinea in sugarcane was investigated and promoted biocontrol in white grub endemic areas during 2017-18 to 2019-20. Entomopathogenic nematode (Heterorhabditis indica NBAII-H38), entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae (NBAIR Ma4 )along with a chemical Chlorantraniliprole were evaluated through soil application. The results indicated that Heterorhabditis indica NBAII-H38 (12 kg a.i./ha) soil application two times at monthly interval resulted in higher reduction of white grub damage. Metarhizium anisopliae NBAIR Ma4 (2.5 kg a.i./ha) treated plots caused higher percentage reduction of white grub than chlorantraniliprole treatment. Entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica and entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae were found effective than the insecticidal application in the management of sugarcane white grub. Cost benefit of biocontrol agents, Metarhizium anisopliae and H. indica was proved superior to insecticidal application.