Lepidiota crinita

Systematic position: Lepidiota crinita belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Scarabaeidae. This species is recognized as a significant soil-dwelling pest that poses a constant threat to agricultural productivity in tropical regions, specifically targeting the root systems of crops.

Crops damaged: The primary host for this pest is sugarcane. The larval stage of the insect lives underground, feeding extensively on the root system and the base of the shoots, which leads to stunted plant growth and localized death of the crop stands.

Biology and lifecycle: The lifecycle consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. The larval stage is the most destructive and prolonged, often lasting for one to two years depending on environmental conditions. Larvae thrive in the top layers of the soil where organic matter and root systems are readily available.

Damage symptoms and severity: Infestation is characterized by yellowing of the foliage and wilting, even when soil moisture is adequate. When plants are pulled, it is often discovered that roots have been severed near the base. High populations of larvae can cause severe economic losses by reducing the total biomass and sucrose content of the sugarcane harvest.

Control measures: Effective management of Lepidiota crinita requires an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy:

• Application of soil-incorporated insecticides at the time of planting.
• Use of crop rotation to break the life cycle of the beetle.
• Utilizing biological control agents such as entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes.
• Regular monitoring of the soil to assess larval density before planting cycles.