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Time of India

Black bug outbreak threatens sugarcane in UP; advisory issued

Bijnor: A severe outbreak of the black bug—locally known as kala chikta—has been reported in sugarcane fields across several parts of Uttar Pradesh, prompting the Sugar Department to issue an urgent advisory to farmers. The pest, which thrives in hot and dry conditions, typically attacks ratoon (regrown) sugarcane between April and June, stunting growth by sucking sap from the leaves. Infestation has also been accompanied by the pyrilla pest in some areas. Based on field inspections, scientists have advised farmers to irrigate their fields and destroy leftover stubble after harvest to curb the spread. In heavily infested fields, chemical pesticides such as Profenofos, Imidacloprid, Cypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos and Monocrotophos 36% SL have been recommended. Officials said that if pyrilla is more dominant and bio-parasites are present, chemical treatment may not be necessary. However, in cases of heavy black bug infestation—since there are no known parasites for black bugs—chemical control becomes essential. State president of Bharatiya Kisan Union Arajnaitik's youth wing, Digambar Singh, said, "Black bugs and pyrilla have affected large areas of sugarcane. Farmers are suffering massive losses. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo Sugar mills should provide subsidised pesticides to help them." Saharanpur's deputy cane commissioner OP Singh said, "Black bugs usually appear from April to June when the weather is hot and dry. Affected leaves turn yellow with brown spots, and larvae are often found between leaf curls and cane balls. Both adults and larvae suck the juice from the leaves, halting crop growth. In severe cases, holes form in the leaves." Notably, sugarcane is grown on 29 lakh hectares in the state, with more than 50 lakh farmers dependent on the crop.