Habitat Management Using Melinis Minutiflora (poaceae) to Decrease the Infestation of Sugarcane by Eldana Saccharina (lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

In field trials planted in the Midlands North and Gingindlovu areas, Melinis minutiflora Beauv. was intercropped in various ways with sugarcane in fields bordered by Cyperus dives C.B. Cl. to determine whether the presence of this grass reduced Eldana saccharina Walker numbers and infestation levels in sugarcane. Results showed E. saccharina populations were decreased by up to 50% and E. saccharina damage was reduced by up to 57% when compared with control fields. In addition, no competition was recorded between M. minutiflora and adjacent sugarcane rows in terms of sugarcane yield loss. Where M. minutiflora was planted along field margins, weed biomass was reduced by up to 79%. These results are discussed in the context of E. saccharina population management, field margin weed management and potential economic benefits accrued from using this approach.