Impact of white grub (Liqyrus subtropicus(Blatchley)) infestation on sugarcane nutrition¹

The white grub (Ligyrus subtropicus (Blatchley)) is a major insect pest of Florida sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). The primary impact this insect has on the sugarcane plant is through larval feeding on plant roots and underground stems. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of L. subtropicus larval feeding on N, P, K, Ca, and Mg nutrition of sugarcane. Third instar L. subtropicus larvae were introduced to the soil at rates of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 larvae/plant. Leaf N, P, and K concentrations decreased linearly as the level of grub infestation increased. Leaf Ca and Mg concentrations were not affected by grub feeding.