Sugarcane Borers Types, Identification and Control:

Sugarcane is commonly affected by three important types of borers: Root/Shoot Borer, Stem Borer, and Top Borer. The Root/Shoot Borer mainly attacks young sugarcane during the germination and early growth stage, causing dead hearts and poor plant establishment. For early control, a suitable insecticide such as chlorantraniliprole-based or another locally registered granular formulation can be applied at planting according to the approved label rate. Stem Borer can become noticeable when the crop has developed several internodes (about 4–5 or more), and larvae bore into the stem and damage the internal tissues, weakening the cane and reducing yield. Chlorantraniliprole-based insecticides are commonly used for borer management, but the product and dose should always follow the local registered label. Top Borer generally becomes more important during the July–September period, particularly in warm and humid conditions. The larvae enter through the leaf sheath and bore into the upper internodes, where they can cause significant damage. Proper early-season borer management, field monitoring, removal of heavily infested shoots, and timely application of a registered insecticide can greatly reduce the risk and severity of top-borer infestation.