FACTORS AFFECTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RYEGRASS SEEDLINGS IN SOLDIER FLY-INFESTED LAND

Abstract

Soldier fly, Inopus rubriceps (Macquart), larvae suck nutrients from the roots of ryegrass, 'reducing root growth, tiller and foliage production, and probably plant survival. Accurate placement of insecticide with the seed killed larvae, and en'hanced establishment of the seedlings. The use of minimum cultivation, paraquat, and fertilizer sown with the seed, all made larvae move on to the rows of new seedlings thereby improving the efficiency of the insecticide and establishment of the seedlings. This was associated with increased root weights and pasture production. These techniques warrant consideration as alternatives to full surface cultivation and should readily fit into farm undersowing programmes.