Assessment of damage to borers Diatraea spp. and its control. Methodological guide

The basis of all integrated pest management is the planning of control methods based on the evaluation of the population or the level of damage of the pest. In the sugar agro-industry of the Cauca river valley, where the complex of sugar cane borers Diatraea spp. includes the most important pests of this crop, it is necessary to carry out systematic sampling in the field to evaluate the percentage of damage and, based on it, schedule the release of beneficial organisms that act as parasitoids and exercise different degrees of control according to with the species of the borer.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a series of useful training materials in learning about sampling and evaluating the damage caused by cane borers (units 1 and 2), the work of biological control and its economic analysis (units 3 and 4).

The materials were elaborated with the knowledge management approach, that is, it is intended that the participants take ownership of the technology by actively engaging in the learning process; Thus, the guide proposes various exercises and field practices designed for the participants to develop the capacities and skills necessary to carry out integrated pest management.