suSCon® MAXI INTEL FOR EXTENDED CONTROL OF GREYBACK CANEGRUB IN SUGARCANE

THIS PAPER SUMMARISES efficacy data collected to satisfy requirements to register the granular controlled-release insecticide suSCon1® Maxi Intel (50 g imidacloprid/kg) to control damage by greyback canegrub (Dermolepida albohirtum) to the root-mass of sugarcane crops in central and north Queensland for up to 3 years. We outline collaborative research and development (R&D) to improve products suited to the sugarcane industry’s needs, following a similar process to register suSCon® Maxi for 2-year control of greyback canegrub. suSCon Maxi Intel granules released less imidacloprid than granules of suSCon Maxi during the first 3 months after application, and were able to sustain larger amounts of imidacloprid in the soil around granules at 21 and 27 months after application. Greyback canegrub populations were significantly reduced in plant, first and second ratoon crops by treatment with 10 or 15 kg/ha of product applied into the planting furrow at the drill fill-in stage. Cane yield in treated plots was 9–10 t/ha greater than in untreated plots. suSCon Maxi Intel reduced grub populations further and supported slightly more cane production than suSCon Maxi. These data support submissions to register suSCon Maxi Intel for control greyback canegrub up to second ratoon.