Isis Grub Management

Evolve a monitoring-based system to enhance canegrub control Best Management Practice for Isis Sugarcane Growers

Objectives:

  • Validate systems to a) monitor grub trends and b) to use the data in annual grub management planning with efficiency-level not possible without such systems.
  • Train and build capacity of grower and manager members to annually collect relevant information, and to prepare timely, cost-effective and sustainable canegrub management strategy.
  • This project is a pilot scheme for Isis Productivity Limited (IPL) to gauge if, and in what form, to include grub monitoring in commercial core business. Grower input will be paramount in the development of any commercial activity emanating from this project as IPL does not have the resources to provide a full commercial service.
  • Group members will by participation, training and trials, gain skills and confidence in systems to enhance commercial best management of canegrubs.
  • The project will consult with such other projects ie the IPM of canegrubs projects in Mulgrave and Mackay to discuss similarities and to learn from their outcomes that could assist in the conduct of this project.

Project Activities:

Group member s and operatives will carry out key processes, with coaching and/or assistance from skilled persons contracted from BSES Limited. They will learn to:

  • Select strategically important blocks
  • Monitor by digging to assess canegrub presence
  • Distinguish canegrubs from "look alikes"
  • Estimate risk to specific fields, and
  • Use decision-support packages to identify appropriate options

Mr Bruce Quinn and other Target 100 team members will assist growers to select suitable crop options and formulate a grub-management strategy. The Isis GIS-based database will be modified to record grub infestation and other relevant data for future modelling. Relevant commercial cost-benefits of various treatments or cultural options will be assessed, using Farm Economic Analysis Tool (FEAT) operated by Mr Duncan Payne, of Isis Target 100 operations team.

Contact Person: Wayne Stanley 0428 734 756