SOME ASPECTS RELATED TO THE USE OF NEMATICIDES ON SUGARCANE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Early data indicated that there was little improvement in cane quality when nematicides were used. Small improve­ ments in cane quality from the application of nematicides have not been emphasised in past data. Recent summaries have shown that cane quality may be significantly improved and this contributes to nematicide responses in terms of sucrose yields. The situations under which cane quality im­ provements can be expected are not clearly defined. Residual responses to nematicides are given and the detection of growth differences at an early stage after applying test strips ofnematicide show how application over the whole field can be avoided in ratoons when good residual responses are ex­ pected. Responses to Temik and Curaterr are compared and the results show that they should always be assessed ac­ cording to continual changes in the cost of chemicals, pay­ ment for sugar, and profitability of sugarcane production.