Pasture Mealybugs

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is the most abundant agronomic crop in Florida, with approximately 430,000 acres grown primarily around Lake Okeechobee. The sugarcane industry is split among two primary soil types: histosols (muck) rich in organic matter and mineral sandy soils. Sugarcane contributes over $4 billion annually to Florida’s economy, supporting close to 20,000 jobs. Florida supplies approximately 25% of the United States’ non-high fructose corn syrup based sweeteners. The pasture mealybug is a major threat to the sugarcane crop, especially for plants grown on sandy soils.

Products to Consider for the Control of Pasture Mealybug

There is a FIFRA Section 18 Emergency Exemption in place for Sivanto Prime and a FIFRA Section 18 Crisis Exemption in place for Admire Pro Systemic Protectant and Transform WG for use on sugarcane in Florida.