The recent outbreak of the Cassava Hornworm (Erinnyis ello) in the major Cassava growing areas in Central Trinidad, has shown the ability of this pest to quickly destroy agricultural production within a short period of time.
In just 24 hours, 4 acres of cassava were totally decimated. The presence of 20-30 cassava hornworms, 4-6 inches in length on a cassava plant is a horrific sight. This unprecedented problem in the cassava industry has pooled the competencies of many stakeholders in the agricultural sector in finding the quickest solution.
Caribbean Chemicals and Agencies Limited, a leading agriculture input supply company in the English speaking Caribbean, responded urgently to information provided by their field agronomists and The Trinidad & Tobago Agribusiness Association (TTABA). With the corporation of Caribbean Chemicals, TTABA and upon consultations with BASF The Chemical Company, an island-wide spray initiative was started.
Agaclin 15 WG was the chemical used in the assault against the Cassava Hornworm and represents BASF’s latest advancement in formulation technology. The initial application of Agaclin 15 WG was carried out by Mr. Dipnarine Ramsaroop aka Deppee of Arena Road, Freeport on twenty four (24 Ac) acres. Results have shown that Agaclin 15 WG is very effective at 100 gms per acre, providing rapid knockdown of the Cassava Hornworn with a ninety five (95%) percent kill in only three (3) hours. Since then over 300 acres of cassava have been treated with Agaclin 15 WG using the AJ 401 Cannon Sprayer loaned by Caribbean Chemicals for emergency spraying.
Agaclin 15 WG appears to be the most economical product used thus far to control the Cassava Hornworm due to its low rate per acre application, price and high efficacy. The cost per acre of using Agaclin 15 WG is as little as TTD60.00.
Cassava grower, Mr. Terry Bahal was extremely pleased with the performance of Agaclin 15 WG and made the following comments,
“ Agaclin worked well and in 10 minutes the worm was completely knocked off the plant - who was not knocked off was hanging on the trees”.
Noteworthy, the life cycle of the Cassava Hornworm takes place in 7 – 9 weeks and the most devastating part is the 5th instar of the larvae. This larval stage of the hornworm is responsible for seventy five (75%) percent of the plants defoliation.
Farmers are being advised to monitor their fields during the next 2 – 4 weeks for any resurgence of this pest since the cocoon stage has been identified in the soil.
Yields in cassava plants nine months and over will not be affected by this attack but yield losses are expected to be high in younger plants (25-45%) depending on the fertility of the soil. For further technical information contact Caribbean Chemicals at 638-GROW.