Implementation of management strategies for control of sugarcane weevil borer in far north Queensland : SRDC final report BSS224

Abstract

Sugarcane weevil borers are an introduced pest of sugarcane from New Guinea. They cause significant losses to ccs and may contribute to production of poor quality sugar crystals. The adoption of pre-harvest burning of cane in the 1940s saw a reduction of borer damage to low levels. This remained until the widespread adoption of green cane harvesting and trash blanketing in the 1980s.Early studies have shown ways to reduce borer damage through the use of resistant varieties, improved farm hygiene (reduced cane loss and improved rat control), and chemical control. A reduction in borer damage will enhance viability of the northern sugar industry.This project was designed to have a participatory approach with stakeholders affected by borers in the Queensland sugar industry and to demonstrate the effectiveness of implementing borer management strategies.