Nitidulid Beetles in Sugarcane Cuttings

When cane cuttings that have failed to germinate are dug up and examined, they are frequently found to be infested with the larvae and adults of Nitidulid beetles which, consequently, are often accused of responsibility for such failure. As additional evidence against them is adduced the rapidity with which replants may become infested in fields in which a high population of the beetles has been built up in the soil as a result of poor germination in the original planting. The investigations described here were carried out to determine to what extent this accusation is justified and to test methods of control in case these should prove necessary.