Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds - Online edition

Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds

Sugarcane borer (277)

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 Photo 1. Larva of the sugarcane borer, Chilo terrenellus, inside the stem of sugarcane.

Photo 2. Damage by the sugarcane borer, Chilo terrenellus, weakens the internodes and makes the stems susceptible to breaking in high winds.

Photo 3. Adult sugarcane borer, Chilo terrenellus.

Summary

  • Narrow distribution. Papua New Guinea and Australia. On sugarcane and relatives. An important pest.
  • Eggs laid in clusters on leaves; larvae tunnel into stalks, killing growing points, or allowing entry of e.g., red rot fungus (see Fact Sheet no. 221). Change of varieties due to Ramu stunt virus increased damage by the moth.
  • Spread of moth in infested cane for planting.
  • Cultural control: remove volunteers preventing carry over between crops; ensure correct nutrients, N in particular; crop rotation; collect and burn trash after harvest; tolerant varieties.
  • Chemical control: none recommended.

Common Name

Sugarcane borer, sugarcane internode borer

Scientific Name

Chilo terrenellus. It is a member of the Crambidae.

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information from Sallam MS, Allsopp PG (2002) BSS249 Preparedness for border incursion, Chilo incursion management plan. Version 1. BSES Publication Project Report PRO2008. Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations, Queensland, Australia. (https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Chilo-species-CP-2002.pdf). Photos 1-3 Carmichael A, et al. (2012) Stem borer (Chilo terrenellus). PaDIL - (http://www.padil.gov.au).

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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