Mosiac, leaf, scald, rust and smut can be controlled through the use of resistant varieties and are not chemically treated. Other pests include rats and feral hogs. Zinc phosphide is occasionally used to kill the rats. Feral hogs sometimes have an economic impact. Weeds Weeds cause more economic loss in sugarcane than all other pests combined.
Weeds cause loss of tonnage in field, reduced sucrose recovery in the mill, and shorter ratoon life.
Weeds reduce light, rob nutrients, and serve as reservoirs for numerous insect and disease pests. Most farmers use advanced planning, identify weed targets, and use herbicides to reduce losses. Mechanical weed control is practiced by all growers but is not a substitute for herbicides. The crop is cultivated 3 to 5 times a year, in addition to herbicide use. Tillage includes 1 to 2 preplant operations and 3 to 4 cultivations in plant care and each ratoon crop.