Preparedness for borer incursion : SRDC final report BSS249

Abstract

Moth borers are the most devastating pests of graminaceous plants, including sugarcane, in the world. Australia is so far free of all the major borer species, but several species occur in countries close to Australia, with some reaching as close as the Torres Strait islands. This project was carried out to increase Australia's preparedness for an incursion of an exotic cane borer.The project started by developing Pest Incursion Management Plans (PIMPs) specific to each group of borers. PIMPs were developed for the borer genera Chilo, Diatraea, Eldana, Sesamia and Scirpophaga. The plans detail the steps to be taken in case of a borer incursion, and include extensive dossiers on each species with information on their distribution, host plants, symptoms, economic impact, morphology, detection methods, biology and ecology, natural enemies, management options and phytosanitary risk.