Host-plant resistance: A key component in minimising losses from pink ground pearls

No insecticide provides effective and useful control of pink ground pearls (Eumargarodes laingi) in sugarcane fields near Bundaberg. Of the current commercial cultivars grown at Bundaberg, Q135, Q136 and Q147, and to a lesser extent Q138 and Q145, minimise the impact of the insects. Fewest cysts develop under Q135 and Q147. Both cultivars yield high amounts of cane and sugar while attacked by pink ground pearls, although the CCS levels of Q147 were mediocre. Q136, Q138 and Q145 also show good cane and sugar yields, but allow significantly larger numbers of cysts to develop. A management strategy, incorporating Q135, Q136 and Q147, early plough out, long fallowing and ploughing or rotary hoeing during the fallow, will minimise losses from pink ground pearls.