I I I I I I
I PEST RISK ANALYSIS OF SUGARCANE FOR
I THE NORTHERN AUSTRALIA QUARANTINE STRATEGY - QUARANTINE INSECTS
I by I F FitzGibbon' , P G Allsopp' and P J De Barro'
C098003
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BUREAU OF SUGAR EXPERIMENT STATIONS
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

PEST RISK ANALYSIS OF SUGARCANE FOR THE NORTHERN AUSTRALIA QUARANTINE L. STRATEGY - QUARANTINE INSECTS
by
F FitzGibbon!, P G Allsopp2 and P J De Barro!
..... C098003

!CSIRO Division of Entomology, Canberra
2BSES, Bundaberg
....

Contact:

Peter Allsopp

Principal Research Officer

BSES

PO Box 651

Bundaberg QLD 4670

- Phone: 0741593228 Fax: 0741593383

....
This report was funded by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy and the Sugar Research and Development Corporation.

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BSES Publication
Consultancy C098003

January 1998

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CONTENTS

Page No.

..... INTRODUCTION.... ...... .... .... ....... ...... ...... :. .... ..... .. ....... .... .......... ... . 1

REFERENCES .... ... ...... ... .... ..... ... .............. .. ..... ... ...... .. .... .. ....... ... .... 3

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .... ... ...... ..... .. ............... ................. .. ......... ..

3

POTENTIAL QUARANTINE PESTS OF SUGARCANE FOR NAQS TARGET LIST... ...... ... ........ .... .. .... .... .... .. .... ...... ............... ...

4

PROPOSED QUARANTINE INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE FOR THE NAQS TARGET LIST IN ORDER OF PRIORITy........... .. 8

DOSSIERS ON SUGARCANE INSECT PESTS:-

Aleurolobus barodellsis..... ... ... ......... .... ... .. ........ .... .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 Ceralovaculla lalligera.. .... ..... ... ...... .......... .... ........ ..... ... .. . 11 Chilo auricilius.. ..................... .... ..... ...... ............. ..... ...... .. 13 Chilo illfuscatellus........ .... ...... ...... ...... ........ .... .... ...... ....... 15
- Chilo polyclnysus.............. .. .... ...... ............. ......... ... .... ..... 17 Chilo sacchariphagus.................... .. ...... .. ........ ... .............. 19
- Chilo vellosatus.. ............... ................. ...... ......... ... .. .... .. .. . 21 Cicadulilla mbila.... .... .... .. ... .... ..... .... .. .................. ........... 23 EumelOpilla jlavipes .... ... ...... .... ... ... ......... .............. ........... 25 Lepidiota reuleauxi.... ... .. ..... ... ... ... ..... ...... ... ......... ........... . 27 Leucopholis sp. near armata..... .. ...... .. ........................... .... 29 Perkinsiella saccharivora........ ..................... .... .. ...... .. .. ..... 31 Perkinsiella vastatrix... .. .... ... ........ ...... .... .. .. ... .. ................ . 33 Perkinsiella vitiensis......... .. ...... .. .. ............. .. .... . .. ........... .. 35 Pyrilla pelpusilla .... ......... ... .... ......... ...... ........ .......... .... .... 37 Scilpophaga excerptalis.......... ..... .. .... ... ....... ...... ..... ....... ... 39 Scbpophaga nivella.. ... ... ..... .... ... ...... .. ... .... .. .... .. ..... .. ... .. ... 41 Sesamia grisescens............. .... ... .. ........ .............. ... ...... ... ... 43 Sesamia inferens .......................... .......... ....... ........... ... .. . .. 45 Tetramoera schistaceana... .. .... .. ... ... ........ .. .. ... ................... 47

DOSSIERS OF OTHER QUARANTINABLE INSECT PESTS OF SUGARCANE WITH A LOWER PRIORITY: -
Lepidiota blanchardi..... .. ....... ............. ................... ... ...... .
49
Lepidiota discedens.................. .. .... ..... .. .... ........ .. .............

51

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this pest risk analysis (PRA) is, firstly to identifY quarantine pests and pathogens which pose a threat to sugarcane, which may enter Australia through its northern borders into the area covered by AQIS' Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), and secondly, to identifY measures which could be taken by various agencies to reduce the risks of enny or to minimise the impact of such pests should they alTive.
The PRA was conducted as outlined in the FAO Standard Guidelines jor Pest Risk Ana~ysis (FAO 1996) and is one of a series of PRAs corrunissioned by NAQS. The other host plants covered in this series are banana, citrus, mango, cotton, grape, grain sorghum, cucurbits, maize, pasture legumes/grasslands, eucalyptus, conifers, Acacias and palms (including coconuts) (Muirhead 1997).
Sugarcane (Saccharum L., interspecific hybrids) is the second largest exp0l1 crop in Australia with total earnings of AUS$1. 7-2 billion and is increasing at 5% per annum Total production in Queensland, which has the greatest share of sugarcane, in 1995 was 4.9 million tonnes of sugar produced fi'om 382,000 ha. Sugarcane is grown in a nalTOW strip along the coast from Grafton, NSW north to Mossman, Queensland. Within the past 2 years the Ord River district of Western Australia has seen the establishment of sugarcane production as a commercial crop. This area will be increasing the amount of land cultivated for sugarcane as increased water suppli es are instigated.
Sugarcane is native to Papua New Guinea where there is still significant commercial production. It remains a traditional crop of the inhabitants both of Papua New Guinea and the TOITes Strait Islands and is grown as a home crop in gardens throughout the islands. Many Islanders who have moved to mainland Australia continue to grow sugarcane in their gardens. It is also commonly used as a source of carbohydrate and liquid for people travelling between islands and the mainland. Sugarcane is a traditional trading commodity between Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands.
The sugarcane industry has traditionally maintained a strict quarantine system concerning the movement of cane into Australia from other countries and between the cane growing regions within Australia (Croft et al. 1996). No plant material is allowed into the country without first going through these quarantine channels. Until recently, because the trade in sugarcane products was largely restricted to processed sugar and molasses rather than plant material, there was a negligible quarantine risk. Recently, however, there has been an increased interest in the trade of used sugarcane machinelY, use of sugarcane in traditional cooking, and the importation of germplasm for breeding purposes. These factors combined with the increase in sugarcane production in Irian Jaya and Timor to the north of Australia and the Ord River District of northern Western Australia have lead to increased concerns about the accidental introduction of sugarcane pests.
Throughout the world there are over 1500 insect pests associated with sugarcane (Box 1954) and the noteworthy point is that there is no one group of pests that could be described as cosmopolitan in world sugarcane (Conlong 1994). Each region appears to have its own group of pest insects that cause the most damage. [0 Australia there are at least 65 insects associated with sugarcane and the importance of these insects as pests

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ranges fi'om negligible to high. This country does not have some of the most devastating pests such as Sesamia spp. , Ceratovacuna lanigera and leafhoppers such as Eumetopina, due in large pan to the strict quarantine procedures already in place for the crop. Some of these insects are not considered serious pests because of the direct damage that they do to the crop but because they are vectors of diseases that are not yet within Australia, such as Ramu Stunt Disease.
..... It is the purpose of this repon to identifY the insects that are associated with sugarcane in
the countries to the nOllh of Australia and from this list, determine the insects of significant risk to the Australian sugarcane industry. This includes insects that can be introduced by natural means (such as wind cUITents), illegal movement of sugarcane plants, and authOlised movement of sugarcane products.

A 'zone' was chosen around the nOllhern tip of Australia. This zone included PNG, TOITes Strait Islands (including Bamaga), Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. Insects that occurred within mainland Australia were not included with the exception of Bamaga. Due to its isolated position and cultural links, Barnaga was considered pall of the TOITes Strait Islands for quarantine purposes. The occun'ence of a pest in Australia was based on the world catalogues of each group and where available catalogues of Australian insects. Expells within the Australian National Insect Collection were consulted where ever possible.

All insects within this area were listed (Table 1) and funher categorised into groups
..... depending on the information available, whether they were on the NAQS list (A repon for
the Nonhem Australian Quarantine Strategy. Targeted Exotic Insects: NOIlhern Australian Quarantine Strategy April 1991), their ability to be vectors of disease, and fi'om advice from personnel within CSIRO, BSES, The Australian National University, Ramu Sugar and Indonesian universities. Insects for which no references could be found (using CAB Abstracts, Agricola and Zoological Records fi'om 1972 to tbe present) were dropped fi'om the list. If no recent or readily accessed literature was available the imponance of the insect was considered low.

The final list of insects (Table 2) was delived from the above criteri a plus:

• Size - small insects were more likely to be carried on wind currents or be undetected on

.....

plant ·matelial. Therefore large insects such as cicadas, grasshopper or locusts were dropped from th e list.

• High reproductive rates or fecundity. Insects such as white fli es, aph ids or leafho ppers.

• Panhenogenic insects were also considered a greater ri sk should they arrive in Australia.

• Insects that could be not easily be differentiated from similar looking insects already in

Australia (eg aphids).

Cicadulina mbila , while not found in the countries selected, was included in the final list

because it is a known vector of streak mosaic virus and could have seriou s implications for

the industry should it become establ ished within Australia.
..... Despite the high economic imponance of some of these insects there are often few

publications shedding any information on their biology, ecology or related natural enemies.

For workers in Australia the problem is confounded by the possibility of not knowing what

the insect looks like. This could be redressed if a collection of the target pests could be

3
established and housed at an institution such as the Australian National Insect Collection. This collection could then be used as reference material to aid in the familiarisation with species and in comparison with insects that are intercepted.
The lists of pests and the infonnation within the dossiers have been compiled using the available literature and are as CUITent as possible. The infonnation, advice and/or procedures contained in this repOli are provided for the sole purpose of disseminating information relating to scientific and technical matters in accordance with the functions of CSIRO under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949. To the extent permitted by law, CSIRO or BSES shall not be held liable in relation to any loss or damage incurred by the use and/or reliance upon any information advice and/or procedures contained in this report. Mention of any product in this report is for information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of any such product either expressed or implied by CSIRO or BSES.
REFERENCES
Box, H.E.(1953). List of Sugar-cane Insects. A Synonymic Catalogue of the Sugar-cane Insects and Mites of the World , and of their Insect Parasites and Predators, arranged Systematically. CIE, London, 101 pp.
Conlong, D. (1994). Report on the Second ISSCT Entomology Workshop. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 3~-June 3, 1994.
Croft, B., Magarey, R. and Whittle, P. (1996). Introduction to sugarcane quarantine and disease control: Instructions for staff of research organisations involved in sugarcane research . BSES internal report. 16 pp.
FAO (1995). International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures. Part I - Import Regulations. Guidelines for Pest Risk Analysis. FAO, Publication No . 2, Rome, February 1996,21 pp.
Muirhead, I.F. (1997). Major Host Plants at Risk From Incursions of Plant Pests and Pathogens Through Australia's Northern Border. Report for the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, AQIS, 26 pp.
NAQS (1991). A Report for the NOlihern Australian Quarantine Strategy. Targetted Exotic Pests. Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy, 49 pp.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors gratefully acknowledge the valuable assistance of the staff of CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, especially Ian Reid, Doug Waterhouse, Dave Rentz, Rolf Oberprieler, Ted Edwards, Mary Calver and Geoff Clarke, and of Penny Gullen, The Australian National University.

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9 Table 2. Proposed quarantine insect pests of sugarcane for the NAQS target list in order of priority.

Order Hemiptera Hemiptera Lepidoptera Lepidoptera Lepido ptera Lepidoptera Lepidoptera Hemiptera Hemiptera Coleoptera Coleoptera I-Icmiptera Hemiptera Hemiptera Hemiptcra Lepidoptera Lepidoptera Lepidoptera Lepidoptera Lepido ptera Coleoptera Co leop te ra Co leop tera Co leop tera Hemiptcra Hemiptera Hemiptera Hemiptera Hemiptera Hemiptera Lepidoptera Hemiptera Lepidop tera Coleoptera . Hemiptera Co leoptera Co leo ptera Co leoptera Hemiptera

Family A1eyrodidae Aphididae PyraJidae Pyralidae Pyralidae Pyralidae Pyralidae Cicadellidae Dclphacidae Scarabaeidae Scantbaeidac
Delphacidae
Dclphacid.ae Dclphacidae Lophopidae Pyralidae Pyralidae Noctuidae Noc tuidae Olethreutidae Scarabaeidae Scarabaeidae Scarabaeidae Scanlbaeidae Delphac idae Del ph ac idae Delphacidae Deiphac idae Delphacidae Cocc idae Nocluidae Diaspididae Pyralidae Scarabaeidae Dclphacidae Curculionidae Scambaeidae Scarabaeidae Oelphacidae

Genus and species

A u thor

Status in Australia

Aleurofobus barodensis

(Maskell)

No

Ceratovacuna lanigera

(Zehntner)

No

Chilo auricilius

Dudgeon

No

Chilo inju5cacel/us

Snellon

No

Chilo po~vch,ysus

Meyriek

No

Chilo sacchol'iphagus

Boj er

No

Chilo venosatus

Walker

No

Cicadulina mbila

(Naude)

No

Eumefopina jlavipes

Muir

No

Lepidiota reuleauxi

Brenske

No

Leucopholis sp. ncar amrala Sharp Perkinsiella saccharivora Muir

No No

Pel'kinsiella vastatrix

(Breddin)

No

Perkinsiella l'iliensis

Kirkaldy

No

Pyrilla pelpusil/a

(Walker)

No

Scil]}ophaga excelpta!is

Walker

No

Scirpophaga nivella

Walker

No

Sesam ia grisescens

(Warren)

No

Sesamia infel'ens

(Walker)

No

Tetramoera sch istaceana (Snellen)

No

Lepidio la blanchardi

Dalla Torre No

Lepidiola discedens

Sharp

No

Lepidiota pl1lil/osa

(Wiedemann) No

Lepidio/a srigma

(Fabri cius)

No

PerkillSiella bieoloris

Muir

No

Perkinsiella diagoras

Fennab

No

Perkinsiella lalokensis

Muir

No

Perkinsiella papuensis

Muir

No

Perkinsiella ral1lei

Muir

No

Pulvinaria icel)!i

(Signoret)

No

Sesamia OIfaki

Bethune-Baker No

Aulacaspis tegalensis

(Zelmtner)

No

Chilo panel/us

Swinhoe

No

Leucopholis rorida

(Fabricius)

No

Eoew)!sa jlavocapitala

Muir

No

Rhynchophol1/s ferrugineus (Olivier)

No

Scapanes ausrralis

Boisduval

No

Scapones o. grossepunctatus Sternberg

No

Tropidocephala serendiba Melichar

No

Importance High High High High Hi g h High High Hi gh Hi g h Hi g h High I-ti gh High High Hi gh Hi gh
~ti gh
High Hi g h Hi g h Med ium -high Medium-high Med ium-high M ed i u m -h i g h Med ium-high Medium-high Med ium-high Medium-high Medium-high Medium-high Medium -high Medium Medium Medi wn Low Low Low Low Low

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Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Alellroloblls barodeltsis (Maskell) Hemiptera Aleyrodidae Sugarcane whitefly
Aleurodes barodensis; IOllgicornis

Aleurodes

IOllgicornis;

Aleul'olobus

Hosts:
Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Erianthus aUl'undinaceum (erianthus); Eriallthus cilial'is (wild sugar); Miscanthus spp. (pampas grass)

Distribution: India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan
Nearest known location to Australia: Java

Economic Damage: High. This whitefly causes direct feeding damage causing a yellowing and desiccation to the leaves. This reduces photosynthetic capacity and the excreted honeydew increases production of sooty moulds, both of which reduce yield and quality.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential: High

Spread Potential: High

Biology:
- The female lays her eggs in a single strip on the lower surface of the leaf. Usually, 630 eggs are laid in a batch and a female can lay up to 63 eggs in her lifetime. The freshly laid eggs are a creamy yellow which changes to light brown and, finally, to black as the egg matures. The eggs take from 8-l 0 days to hatch, depending on the temperature. The first, second and third instars last 2, 4, and 4.5 days, respectively (average). The total nymphal period valies from 10-12 days. The puparium stage lasts from 10-13 days. The sex ratio of emerging adults is 3F: IM. Females live approximately 30-34 hours, while males live, on average, 29 hours. The total life cycle takes around 32 days to complete. The adults can be distinguished from other whiteflies by their smokey appearance (Thumar and Kapadia 1995). The nymphs of this whitefly are not active and tend to settle in one place after choosing a feeding site (Suasa-ard and Charernsom 1994). Populations tend to increase from March onwards as the age of the crop increases (Indonesia; Kalshoven 1981). There is a suite of natural enemies that range in effectiveness in controlling thi s pest.

Physical damage: This whitefly sucks the sap of the host plant resulting in collapsed cells. This reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the plant. The production of honeydew increases the likelihood of sooty moulds on the leaf which also reduces the plants' photosynthetic ability .

Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0 ; Leaf .; Stem .; Root 0; Other 0

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Detectio nJdiagnosis: Yellow sticky traps can be useful. Visual check of plants within the crop - look for the nymphs and adults on the undersides of the leaves. Adults will fly about when the plant is disturbed. Leaves with small yellow stripes are symptoms of infestation. If there is a heavy infestation these stripes will join up so that the leaf is erect.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Visual check of all plant material at entry sites. Use sticky traps around crops to catch adults that are dispersing. Onshore: Use sticky traps for the detection of adults and use visual checks of plant material for adults and nymphs. Consider the introduction of parasitoids that have been successful in other countries. Chemical control would be expensive and impractical in mature cane fields.
Estimated risk: High. There is low economic risk to the crop unless infestation becomes high, when there is a reduction in yield and quality.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. De Barro, CSIRO Entomology, PO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601; Ph. 02 62464344; Fax. 0262464000; email: pauld@ento.csiro.au. Dr. M. Calver, CSIRO Entomology, PO Box 1700, CanbeITa, ACT 260 I; Ph. 02 62464284; Fax. 0262464000; email: maryc@ento.csiro.au
References: Inayatullah, C. (1984). Sugar-cane aleurodids, Aleurolobus barodensis (Maskell) and Neomaskellia andropogonis Corbett (Hom: AJeyrodidae), and their natural enemies in Pakistan. Insect Science and its Application, 5:279-82. Kalshoven, L.G.E. (1981). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. P.T. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta. Suasa-ard, D. W. and Charernsom, K. (1994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar cane sap suckers in South East Asia. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Afiica, May 30-June 3,1994,147-153. Thumar, R.K. and Kapadia, M.N. (1995). Biology and population dynamics of sugarcane whitefly, Aleurolobus barodensis Maskell under Junagadh conditions of Gujarat. Gujarat Agricultural University Research Journal, 20: 103-7.

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Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Ceratovacuna lalligera (Zehntner) Hemiptera Aphididae Sugarcane woolly aphid Cerataphis saccharivora; Oregma lalligera

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Miscanthus spp. (pampas grass)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Burma (Myanmar), India, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, China, Japan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Fiji, Solomon Islands
Nearest known location to Australia: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: High. Heavy infestations can lead to a reduction in the photosynthetic capacity of the plant leading to a decrease in yield and quality of sugar. Honeydew excreted by the aphids will lead to the production of sooty moulds which can have the same effects as feeding.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential: High

Spread Potential: High

Biology: This insect is anholocyclic on Gramineae. The sexual phase is not known, but an alate form is produced. Adult females are parthenogenic and produce live young. The first instar nymphs are the most active stage and will wander from the mother to look for a suitable feeding site, usually a young leaf. Once it has started to feed the aphid will tend to become sedentary. The colonies of aphids are found on the underside of the leaves and are easily distinguished by the woolly layer of wax that covers the colony. There are 4 instars with an average developmental time from birth to adult of 20.4 days. A female can produce between 28 and 34 nymphs. The average life span (from birth to death) is 34 days (Pramono et al. 1989). In OkitJawa, aphids tend to colonise the cane in the autumn and populations slowly increase during the winter with a rapid outbreak in the spring. A few colonies are observed during the summer (Arakaki 1992). C. lanigera is abundant in summerplanted crops but rare in ratoon fields (Arakaki 1992). Cane that has a sucrose content higher than 4.5% are more susceptible to infestation (Pramono et af. 1989). In Indonesia, the populations start to increase in the spring and reach a peak in early summer (NovlDec) (Kalshoven /981). Due to its small size, especially of the first instar crawlers and alates, C. lanigera can be easily dispersed and because it is parthenogenic, reproduction is assured. In Indonesia, 1 species of parasitoid and 10 species of predators were found (Pramono et al. 1989) and there is a good possibility that this insect can be controlled with natural enemies. Certain cultivars are more heavily infested than others and this can be used when determining which cultivars to plant.

Physical damage:

13
This sucking insect produces honeydew which in turn can increase the likelihood of sooty moulds. Heavy feeding can lead to reduced photosynthetic activity and reduced yields. Feeding can have a detrimental effect on the length, girth and weight of cane as well as the internode length. Sooty moulds reduce yields.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0; Leaf . ; Stem 0 ; Root 0 ; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of plant - colonies will have a dense layer of woolly wax around them and will be attended by ants. Yellow pan traps can catch the alates. Look for visual symptoms of infestation - these are stunted growth and dry foliage. The degree of infestation is determined by cane cultivar.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor populations with visual checks. The use of pan traps outside the growing areas may detect the movement of alates. Look for predators and parasi toid s. Onshore: Check all plant material at points of entry. Place pan traps outside cane growing areas to detect movement of alates. Investigate introduction of predators and parasitoids. Some control has been achieved with Malathion and Metasystox but this may be impractical on large mature stands of cane. Eradication of infested cane can be considered as well as quarantining and destroying the infested crop. The use of strong internal quarantine measures should be continued .
Estimated risk: Hi g h .
Quarantine status: Quarantinab le
Further Information: Dr. M. Carver, CSIRO Entomology, PO Box 1700, CanbelTa, ACT 260 I.; Ph. 02 62464284; Fax. 02 62464284; emai l: maryc@ento.csiro.au
References: Arakaki, N. (1992). Seasonal occUITence of the sugarcane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera (Homoptera: Aphididae), and its predators in sugar cane fi elds of Okinawa Island. Applied Entomology and Zoology, 27(1):99-105. Kalshoven, L.G.E. ( 198 1). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta . Pramono, D., Suhartawan and Wirioatmodjo, B. (1989). Biological study of the sugarcane woolly aphid (Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner) and its parasitoid (En carsiajlavoscutellwn Zehntner). Biotrop Special Publications, 36: l 75-84.

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Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):
Synonym(s):

Chilo allricilills Dudgeon Lepidoptera Pyralidae Sugarcane internode borer, Sugarcane moth borer; Stalk borer; Stem borer; Rice stalk borer; Gold fiinged borer; Gold fringed moth; Gold fringed rice borer Chilo auricilia; Chilotraea auricilia; Diatraea auricilia; Proceras auricilia

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Oryza sativa (rice); Dactyloctenium aegyptium (coast button grass); Echinochloa colona (awnless barnyard grass); E. ji7.lmentacea (Japanese millet); E. stagnina (amshot grass); Eleusine indica (crowsfoot grass); Crianthus munja; Ischaemum rugosum (wrinkle grass); Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass); Sacciolepis interrupta (grass); Sorghum halpense (Johnson grass)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea, India, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Mauritius, Hong Kong
Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: High. There are no similar pests in Australia so the damage to crops, yield and sugar quality would be high.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential: High

Spread Potential:

High

Biology:
C. auricilius is a serious pest of rice in many parts of south Asia and India, and is one
of the most serious pests of sugarcane in northern India. The adult moths hide in the trash at the base of the cane during the day and feed, mate and oviposit at night. Females use a pheromone to attract the males. After a preoviposition period of around 2 days, the females lay clusters of eggs on the underside of the leaves. The incubation period lasts for about 4-10 days. The newly emerged larvae enter the leaf sheaths at the top of the plant where they complete the first 2 instars. Infestation causes the leaf sheaths to rot resulting in the desiccation of the leaves. The 3rd instar larvae bore into the shoots and internodes of the cane which, in the early part of the season, produces dead hearts. Severely damage cane will dry up completely as the
- season progresses. The larval stage lasts from 16-51 days depending on the season. The pre-pupal stage last for 6-10 days in the summer and 22-24 days in winter. The adults live for only 2-3 days (Neupane 1990). Like other Chilo species, C. auricilius '- populations are dependent on temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. The
incidence of the pests is greater in a crop that has a high humidity (Jena et al. 1995). In India there are 5-7 generations a year; in China there are 3-4 generation per year. L There are possibilities that this insect can be reduced by a combination of natural enemies, cultural and chemical control.

15
Physical damage: The top leaf sheath will be scraped and chewed. The top 6-7 internodes of the plant will be bored or chewed. The leaves will be desiccated and dead hearts will be formed early in the season. Semi-mature cane is preferred for development.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0 ; Stem .; Root 0 ; Other 0
DetectionJd iagnosis: Visual inspection of the top 7 internodes of the plant - check for dry leaf sheaths and leaves with longitudinal orange streaks on both sides of the midrib that extend from the base to the tip. Attacked internodes have a rancid smell and a red tinge in the interior tissue.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor possible alternative hosts and sugarcane for physical symptoms of infestation. Monitor the presence of adults with pheromone traps. Develop integrated management systems. Educate the public about this pest and its impOitance. Investigate the possibilities of resistant cultivars and natural enemies. Onshore: At points of entry, check all plant material that may be a host, for the presence of larvae. Monitor crops with pheromone traps which could also be used as a mating disruption technique. Quarantine infested crops and destroy if necessary. Investigate the introduction of parasitoids and predators. Chemical intervention would be difficult in mature crops and would be unlikely. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High. In some countries such as India, this insect can damage up to 75% of the canes resulting in a 33% yield loss. This could be the same scenario in Australia where there may be no effective natural enemies.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information:
Mr, L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea.
MrK. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 07 4056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Garg, D.O. and Chaudhary, J.P. (1979). Insect pests of sugarcane in Punjab and their control - II Borers. Indian Sugar, 28:749-55 . Jena, B.C., Nayak, N., Das, P.K. and Parida, A.K. (1995). Stalk borer management in sugarcane. Indian Sugar, 45:511-5. NAQS (199 1). A Report for the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy. Targeted Exotic Pests. NOithern Australian Quarantine Strategy, 49 pp.
Neupane, F.P. (1990). Status and contro l of Chilo spp. on cereal crops in Southern
Asia. Insect Science and its Applications, 11:501-534.

.,
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-
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-

16

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):
Synonym(s):

Chilo infuscatellus Snellen Lepidoptera Pyralidae
Shoot borer; Internode borer; Top borer; Early shoot borer; Gela top borer; Yellow top borer of sugarcane; Yellow top borer Chilotraea infuscatellus; Chilotraea infuscatella; Diatraea infuscatella; Diatraea sariinensis; Diatraea sticticraspis; Argyria coniorta; Argyria sticticraspis; Chilo injluscatellus; Chilo tadzhikiellus; Proceras sticticraspis

Hosts:
Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Pannicum milliaceum (common millet); O,yza saliva (lice); Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) .

Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: High. There are no similar pests in Australia so the damage to crops, yield and quality could be high.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High Spread Potential: High

Biology This insect is a serious pest of sugarcane in India. Females use a pheromone to attract the males. Clusters of eggs are laid on the ventral side of the first 3 green leaves. The incubation peliod lasts for about 4-6 days. The emerging larvae enter the space between the first leaf sheath and the stem and feed on the soft tissue. They then bore into the stem and continue feeding. The growing point is killed within 8 days. Young cane is preferred over mature plants. The larval stages last a total of
- 16-30 days depending on temperature and humidity. The fully grown larvae pupates within the stem and after 6-12 days the adult moth emerges. Adult longevity is about 4-9 days. In the summer, the total life cycle takes about 33 days to complete. The number of generations per year valies from region to region in India, varying fonn 3 in Tamil Nadu to 6 in subtropical India (Neupane 1990). The duration of development of the different stages decreases with a rise in temperature and 12C and
- 40C are the lower and upper limits of development. A relative humidity of 90% was optimal for successful development (Butani 1969). Chemical control had been used in India, but there has been more emphasis on biological control - the use of pheromones and natural enemies - which has had success in some areas such as Indonesia (Kuniata 1994).
- Physical damage: The top leaf sheath will be scraped and chewed. The top 6-7 internodes of the plant

17
will be bored or chewed. Semi-mature cane is preferred for development.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0 ; Leaf 0 ; Stem . ; Root 0; Other 0
Detect io nIdia gnosis: Visual inspection of the top 7 internodes of the plant - check for dry leaf sheaths and leaves with longitudinal orange streaks on hoth sides of the midrib that extend from the base to the tip. Attacked internodes have a rancid smell and a red tinge in the interior tissue.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor possible alternative hosts and sugarcane for physical symptoms of infestation. Monitor the presence of adults with pheromo ne traps. Develop integrated management systems. Educate the public about this pest and its impOliance. Investigate the possibilities of resistant cane varieties and natural enemies. Onshore: At points of entry, check all plant material that may be a host, for the presence of larvae. Monitor crops with pheromone traps wbicb could also be used as a mating disruption technique. Quarantine infested crops and destroy if necessary. Investigate tbe introduction of parasitoids and predators. Chemical intervention would be difficult in mature crops and would be unlikely. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High. In some countries such as India, this insect can damage up to 75% oftbe canes resulting in a 33% yield loss. This could be the same scenario in Australia where there may be no effective natural enemies and no similar pests.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Cbandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 074056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Butani, O.K. (I 969). Bionomics and control of sugarcane sboot borer, Chilo infuscalel/us Snellen. Labdev Journal of Science and Technology B 7B: 104-8. Han'is, K.M. (I 990). Bioecology of Ch ilo species. Insect Science and its Application, 11 :467-77. Kuniata, L.S. (I 994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar ca ne stalk borers in the Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane growing regions. Proceedings of tbe Second Sugar Cane Entomology Worksbop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994,83-96. Neupane, F.P. (1990). Status and control of Chilo spp. on cereal crops in Soutbern Asia. Insect Science and its Application, [1 :501-534.

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.,

18

Species:

Chilo po/ychrysus

Author:

Meyrick

Order:

Lepidoptera

Family:

Pyralidae

- Common Name(s): Dark headed rice borer; Dark headed striped borer

Synonym(s):

Chilo po/yclllysa; Chilotraea polychlysa; Diatraea polychlysa;

Proceras polychrysus

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Zea mays (maize); O'yza sativa (rice); Oryza lali/olia (wild rice); Eriochloa spp. (grass); Panicum spp. (grass); other grasses

Distribution: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: High. There are no similar pests in Australia so the damage to crops, yield and quality could be high. This insect has been described as a major pest of sugarcane in Malaysia.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology: C. polychlYsus is a serious pest of rice in India and of sugarcane in Malaysia. Young plants can be killed quickly if the infestation is severe and dead hearts are formed in older plants. Moths hide in the trash during the day and feed, mate and oviposit at night. Plants that are semi-mature are most favourable for development. Females use a pheromone to attract the males. Eggs are laid in clusters on the dorsal or ventral side of the leaf and egg numbers can be as high as 400 per female. The incubation time is around 6 days. The newly emerged larvae are very active and often drop from the plant on silken threads and are dispersed by the wind. The larvae are distinguished from other species by 5 grey-violet longitudinal stripes and a dark head and cervical shield. As many as 5-15 larvae can penetrate one leaf sheath. The spindle becomes shaved or bored by the young larvae. After the leaf unfolds, white stripes and spots can be seen on its surface. The older larvae bore into the stem
r... where they move upwards, often destroying the growing tip. Pupae are found near
an exit hole on the stem. The development time is about 40 days (Kuniata 1994; Neupane 1990). C. po/ycillYsus has been reported in low numbers in rice fields in the Northern Territory (Li 1990); this has not been confirmed and C. polychlYsus has not been recorded in the Checklist of the Lepidoptera of Australia (Nielsenel al. 1996).

Physical damage: Dead hearts are produced by the larvae feeding on the leaf sheaths of the new leaves. Young plants can be killed by a heavy infestation. Internodes are destroyed · by feeding and tunnelling.
Plant part affected:

19
Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf .; Stem .; Root 0; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual inspection of the top of the plant - check for dry leaf sheaths and leaves and presence of dead hearts. Tops of stems will be damaged due to boring.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor possible alternative hosts and sugarcane for physical symptoms of infestation. Monitor the presence of adults with pheromone traps. Develop integrated management systems. Educate the public about this pest and its importance. Investigate the possibilities of resistant cane varieties and natural enemie s. Onshore: At points of entry, check all plant material that may be a host, for the presence of larvae. Monitor crops with pheromone traps which could also be used as a mating disruption technique. Quarantine infested crops and destroy if necessary. Investigate the introduction of parasitoids and predators. Chemical intervention would be difficult in mature crops and would be unlikely. Maintain shict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High. The effects on sugarcane in this country are unknown, but there is no similar species in Australia.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 07 4056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Kuniata, L.S. (1994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar cane stalk borers in the Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane growing regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994, 83-96. Li, .C.S. (1990). Status and control of Chilo spp., their distribution, host range and economic impo11ance in Oceania. Insect Science and its Application, 11 :535-9. Neupane, F.P. (1990). Status and control of Chilo spp. on cereal crops in Southern Asia. Insect Science and its Application, 11:501-534. Nielsen, E.S., Edwards, E.D. and Rangsi, T.V. (1996). Checklist of the Lepidoptera of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

.,
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20

Species:

Chilo sacchariphagus

Author:

Bojer

Order:

Lepidoptera

Family:

Pyra lidae

Common Name(s): Spotted borer, Sugarcane internode borer; Stem borer; Stalk borer;

Mauritius spotted cane borer; Sugarcane stalkborer; Sugarcane

stemborer

- Synonym(s):

Diatraea mauriciella; Diatraea sacchariphagus; Diatraea striatalis; Diatraea venosata; Chilo mauriciella; Chi/a venosatus;

Borer saccharellus; Proceras sacclzariphagus; Proceras venosatus;

Proceras mauriciellus

Hosts:

Saccharum spp. (sugarcane) ; Zea mays (maize); O,yza sativa (rice); Sorghum

bic% r (sorghum)

- Distribution: Mexico, India, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan , Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia Nearest known location to Australia: Indonesia

Economic Damage: High. There are no similar pests in Australia so the damage to crops, yield and quality could be high.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

Hi gh

Spread Potential: High

Biology: The adult moths hide in the trash during the day and feed, mate and oviposit at night. Females use a pheromone to attract the males. Between 7 and 30 eggs are laid in 2 parallel rows on the upper side of the leaf. Females lay about 80 eggs in their lifetime. The incubation time is around 6 days. The young larvae are very active and drop from the plant on silken threads. They are carried away by the wind and dispersed to nearby plants. The larvae are distinguished by 4 red transverse stripes which become red longitudinal stripes as they get older. As many as 5- 15 larvae can
- perietrate one leaf sheath. The spindle becomes shaved or bored by the young larvae. After the leaf unfolds, white stripes and spots can be seen on the leaf surface. Plants that are semi-mature, with fully expanded internodes, are most favourable for development. Young plants can be killed quickly if the infestation is severe. The older larvae bore into the stem where they move upwards, often destroying the growing tip (dead heart). Pupae are found near an exit hole on the stem The development time is about 60 days (Kalshoven 1981; Kuniata 1994).

Physical damage: The top leaf sheath will be scraped and chewed. The top 6-7 internodes of the plant will be bored or chewed. Semi-mature cane is preferred for development.
Plant part affected:

21
Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf_; Stem _; Root 0; Other 0
DetectionJdiagnosis: Visual inspection of top 7 internodes of the plant - check for dry leaf sheaths and leaves with longitudinal orange streaks on both sides of the midrib that extend from the base to the tip. Attacked internodes have a rancid smell and a red tinge in the intelior tissue.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor possible alternative hosts and sugarcane for physical symptoms of infestation. Monitor the presence of adults with pheromone traps. Develop integrated management systems. Educate the public about this pest and its impoI1ance. Investigate the possibilities of resistant cane varieties and natural enemies. Onshore: At points of entry, check all plant material that may be a host, for the presence of larvae. Monitor crops with pheromone trap s which could also be used as a mating disruption technique. Quarantine infested crops and destroy if necessary. Investigate the introduction of parasitoids and predators. Chemical intervention would be difficult in mature crops and would be unlikely. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High. In some countries such as India, this insect can damage up to 75% of the canes resulting in a 33% yield loss. This could be the same scenario in Australia where there may be no effective natural enemies.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 074056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Betbeder-Matibet, M. (1981). Biological control of sugar-cane borers. Mededelingen van de Faculteit Landbouwwetenschappen, Rijksuniversiteit Gent, 46:49-55 . Kalshoven, L.G.E. (1981). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. P.T. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, JakaI1a. Kuniata, L.S. (1994). Pest status, biology and effective contro l measures of sugar cane stalk borers in the Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane growing regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994,83-96. Rajabalee, A., Lim Shin Chong, L.c.Y., and Ganeshan, S. (1990). Estimation of
sugar loss due to infestation by the stem borer, Chilo sacchariphagus, in Mauritius.
Proceedings of the Annual Congress South African Sugar Technologists' Association, No. 64: 120-3.

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22

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):
Synonym(s):

Chilo vellosatlls
Walker Lepidoptera Pyralidae
Spotted borer, Sugarcane internode borer; Stem borer; Stalk borer; Mauritius spotted cane borer; Sugarcane stalkborer; Sugarcane stemborer
Proceras vellosatus; Chilo sacc1zariphagus

Hosts:
Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Zea mays (maize); Olyza sativa (rice); Sorghum bicolor (sorghum)

Distribution: Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia
Nearest known location to Australia: Indonesia

Economic Damage: High. There are no similar pests in Australia, so the damage to crops, yield and quality could be high.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology:
There are 4 generations of C. venosatus a year in Taiwan. The adults live for about
4-7 days and females lay egg masses of about 18 eggs in 2 rows on the lower leaf surface. During her lifetime a female can lay around 200 eggs. There are 5-9 instars and the larval stage lasts 26-41 days. Some individuals will overwinter in the stem. The larvae have brown spots along the dorsal line. Until the 3rd instar, larvae will live gregariously and feed on the spindle. Thin transparent spots and frass can be seen on the new Iy opened leaf. The larvae will then disperse with each larva tunnelling into a tiller or internode of the maturing cane. On young tillers the larvae move down the stem and bore into the tiller 1-2 cm above the growing point. Inside the tiller they feed on the basal portion of the unfolded spindle which results in the formation of dead hearts. On more mature cane the larvae bore into the stem from the middle of each internode and tunnel upwards, downwards and laterally so that the internode becomes hollow. With high winds the cane will break at these weakened points. If a new internode is attacked it will not grow or develop but will become shrunken and shortened. In Taiwan, the percentage of dead hearts was low compared to other species of stalk borers, but the incidence of internode infestation
was high (Cheng 1994).

Physical damage: The top leaf sheath will be scraped and chewed. The top 6-7 internodes of the plant will be bored or chewed. Semi-mature cane is preferred for development.

23
Plant part affected:
Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem .; Root 0; Other 0
DetectionIdiagn osis: Visual inspection of top 7 internodes of the plant - check for dry leaf sheaths and leaves with longitudinal orange streaks on both sides of the midrib that extend from the base to the tip. Attacked internodes have a rancid smell and a red tinge in the interior tissue.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor possible alternative hosts and sugarcane for physical symptoms of infestation. Monitor the presence of adults with pheromone traps. Develop integrated management systems. Educate the public about this pest and its irnpoI1ance. Investigate the possibilities of resistant cane varieties and natural enemIes. Onshore: At points of entry, check all plant matelial that may be a host, for the presence of larvae. Monitor crops with pheromone traps which could also be used as a mating disruption technique. Quarantine infested crops and destroy if necessary. Investigate tbe introduction of parasitoids and predators. Chemical intervention would be difficult in mature crops and would be unlikely. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High. In some countIies such as India, this insect can damage up to 75% of the canes resulting in a 33% yield loss. Tbis could be the same scenario in Australia where there may be no effective natural enemies.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 074056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Cheng, W.Y. (1994). Sugar cane stem borers of Taiwan. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30June 3,1994,97- 106. Kalshoven, L.G.E. (1981). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. P.T. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta.
May, P.D. and Hamilton, C. (1989). Dual purpose control of sugarcane borer and
soil pests in China. Sugar y Azucar, 84(12):22-3.

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....
24

Species: Author: Order: Family: Synonym(s):

Cicadulina ",hila
(Naude) Hemiptera Cicadellidae
Balclutha mbila; Cicadulina mabila

Hosts:
Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Zea mays (maize); other grasses

Distribution: Yemen, Sweden, India, Swaziland, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion
Nearest known location to Australia: Reunion

Economic Damage: Low for direct damage by the insect. High because it is a vector of Streak Disease.

Entry potential: Low Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology:
... C. mbila is distributed in Africa where it is a vector of Maize Streak Virus (MSV). Its importance as a pest species stems from its ability to transmit the virus rather than any direct damage it does to the crop. The eggs are inserted linearly along the midrib of the leaf. Incubation time ranges from 9-12 days depending on season and temperature. There is an preovipositional stage which lasts between 6-15 days. Females can lay up to 340 eggs over a period of 36 days with a maximum of 22 eggs laid per day. There are 5 nymphal instars with durations of 3-7 days and the total development time is 23 days. Adults can live up to several months (Okoth et al. 1987; Pemberton and Charpentier 1968). A single insect of either sex is capable of transmitting the virus after feeding for a few days on infected plants and infective
adults stay so for life.

Physical damage: The leaves become dry and yellow through feeding damage. Streak Disease damage can' be seen as a decrease in yield and premature death of the plant. Sooty moulds can grow because of the presence of honeydew excreted by the insect.

Plant part affected: L. Flower 0; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0; Leaf.; Stem 0 ; Root 0; Other 0

Detection/diagnosis: Sticky traps may catch the adults when they are disturbed. A visual check of the crop for adults, nymphs, and symptoms of infestation. Sweep netting in the crop can be done for the detection of adults and nymphs. Check the leaves for nymphs and eggs. Check the crop for symptoms of disease.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Visual check of plant material for presence of adults and nymphs. Check alternative hosts for adults and nymphs. Traps can be used to detect adults.
-

25
Investigate the possibility of natural enemies present in other countries. Onshore: Visual check of all plant material at points of ently. Sticky traps near crops for detection of adults. Sweep netting near or in the crops to detect adults. Visual check of plants for nymphs. Spraying for this pest would be impractical and expensive. If a crop was severely infested it could be quarantined and destroyed . Maintain strict internal quarantine measures.
Estimated risk: High if the insects that become established are active vectors of the Streak Disease. Direct damage to the crop through feedin g is low.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange NSW 2800; Ph. 0263913 800; Fax. 0263913 899; email: fl etchm@aglic.nsw.gov. au Mr. B. Croft, BSES, PO Box 566, Tully, QLD 4854; Ph. 07 4068 1488; Fax. 07 4068 1907
References:
David, H. and Alexander, K. c. (1984). Insect vectors of virus diseases of sugarcane.
Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Animal Sciences, 93:339-47. Okoth, VAO., Dabrowski, Z.T. and van Emden, H.F. (1987). Comparative biology
of some Cicadulina species and populations fi'om various climatic zones in Nigeria (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research, 77:1-8. Pembel10n, C.E. and Charpentier, L.l (1969). Insect vectors of sugar cane virus diseases. In Williams, lR., Metcalfe, lR., Mungomety, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Anlsterdam, 411-25.

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1 1
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26

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Eumetopi"a jlavipes Muir Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane leafhopper

Hosts: Saccharum ojJici"arum (sugarcane); Saccharum spp.

Distribution: Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Torres Strait Islands, Bamaga
Nearest known location to Australia: Bamaga; Thursday Island

Economic Damage: Low for direct damage to the crop but high for losses due to the introduction of Ramu Stunt Disease which is not in Australia. Control of the pest would be expensive and difficult.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low-Medium

Biology: Little is known about the life cycle of this insect. The nymphs and adults live within the leaf funnel and feed on the sap of the unfolding leaves of the developing cane. It can be easily spread by the propagation methods used in the Torres Strait Islands and Papua New Guinea; the top of the cane is removed and planted, thereby facilitating the spread of the planthoppers. Wind and the transportation of cane are other means of dispersal.

Physical damage: There is a loss of sap due to the feeding of the insects which tend to remain in the leaf whorls. A decrease in photosynthetic capacity of the plant due to sooty moulds and feeding will occur. Leaves that are fed upon tum yellow and dry .

Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf . ; Stem 0 ; Root 0 ; Other 0

Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of plants and crop for the adults and nymphs which can be found in the whorl of the cane plant. Sweep netting and sticky traps can be used to detect the adults. Look for symptoms of infestation such as yellowing leaves and sooty moulds.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Use of sticky traps to monitor spread of adults. Increase education and
L... awareness of the pest. Educate the local population about the hazards of using the tops of the cane as a means of propagation. Investigate natural enemies and resistant
- cane varieties. Onshore: Increased visual checks at entry points of country, especially Cairns and Townsville, for adults and nymphs on plant material. Check gardens in centres such

27
as Cairns, Townsville and Kuranda where there may be 'chewing' cane in backyard gardens. Upgrade the inspection of plant material brought in from the surrounding islands. Increase education and awareness of the pest. It may be possible to use chemical intervention on a smaU scale. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures. Use cultivars that show resistance to the pest or disease wherever possible.
Estimated risk: Hi gh due to the pest's ability to transmit Ramu Stunt Disease.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange NSW 2800; Ph. 02 639 13800; Fax. 02 639 1 3899; email: tletchm@agric .nsw.gov.au Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea
References: Eastwood, D. (1990). Ramu stunt disease. Development and consequences at Ramu Sugar Ltd . Sugar Ca ne, 1990(2):15-9. Fennah, R.G. (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, J.R. , Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89. Gough, N. and Peterson, R. (1984). Cane stem borer on Torres Strait islands. BSES Bulletin, No.8: 20-1.

..,
,....

1I

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...,

28

Species:

Lepidiota reuleauxi

- Author: Order:

Brenske Coleoptera

Family:

Scarabaeidae

Common Name(s): Ramu canegrub

Hosts:
- Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Imperata cylindrica (lalang); Panicum maximum (Guinea grass); Pennisetum pUlpureum (elephant grass); Zea mays (maize); other grasses

Distribution: Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia: Ramu and Markham Valleys, Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: High. It is similar to Australian white grub species. Spread could be facilitated by confusion with local species.

- Entry potential: Low

Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low

Biology: The species is univoltine. Adult activity starts soon after the onset of the rainy season (around September). Adults emerge just before dusk to mate and males aggregate, probably to pheromonal cues from the female. Mated females return to underground chambers. Adult lifespan is 3-4 weeks and they do not appear to feed. Eggs are smooth, creamy white and oval. They are oviposited singly in cells and incubation takes 9-12 days (average soil temperature of 31.4C). Egg laying takes place over 3 weeks with almost half the total eggs being laid in the second week. On
.... average, 8 eggs/female are laid. There are 3 larval instars. Larvae require live root
material to survive and develop. Larvae move into the sugarcane root zone 5-8 days after hatching. By late February all larvae are third instars. Feeding declines by late March and ceases by early May. Larvae are inactive for 12-14 weeks at the prepupal stage. Pupal chambers are 25-40 cm below the surface. Teneral adults first appear in early August and by mid-September all individuals are in this stage. These remain quiescent in pupal chambers for 4-6 weeks until rain (Kuniata and Young 1992).

Physical damage: The roots of the plant are chewed and the underground stems are gouged. Symptoms of infestation include tip and stool die back, and yellowing leaves. Severely infested plants can be easily blown over.

.... Plant part affected:
Flower 0; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0; Leaf 0 ; Stem 0; Root .; Other 0

Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of roots and soil for larvae in summer and autumn. Light traps can be

29
used to monitor adults. Check the crop dUIing summer and autumn for plant damage - stools falling over, tip and stool die back. Options for response to detection: Offshore: Traps (light, sticky and pheromone) can be used to monitor adults. Survey possible infestation sites for evidence of the larvae in the soil and around the roots. Conduct visual checks of sugarcane for symptoms of infestation. Knockdown insecticides and ploughing out can be done if commercial cane fields become infested. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use resistant cane varieties and look for natural enemies. Onshore: Increased visual inspection of plant material at points of entry. Confiscate or heat treat all soil being transported . Increase trapping around sites of infestation. Monitor spread by sampling the soil around roots for larvae and pupae. The use of knockdown insecticides (such as Mocap or Rugby) would be considered for isolated infestations. Consider the possibility of setting a quarantine area around the infestation site. Plough out infested fie lds. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use of natural enemies that could be impol1ed. Investigate the use of pheromones to be used in trapping out, monitoring and confusion techniques. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: Low risk for introduction because it would need to enter the country in soil. High economic risk should it become established. Potential for damage is high especially as it could be confused with local species ofLepidiota.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 65 1, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 0741593228; Fax. 074 1593383.
References: All sopp, P.G. (1990). Confilmation ofLepidiota reuleauxi Brenske (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonth inae) as the Ramu canegrub. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society, 29:253-5 . Hartemink, A.E . and Kuniata, L.S. (1996). Some factors influencing yield trends of sugarcan e ill Papua New Guinea. Outlook on Agriculture, 25:227-34. Kuniata, L.S. and Young, G.R. (1992). The biology of Lepidiota reuleauxi Brenske (Co leoptera: Scarabaeidae), a pest of sugarcane in Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society, 31 :339-43.

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30

Species:

LellcopllOlis sp. near armata

Author:

Sharp

Order:

Coleoptera

Family:

Scarabaeidae

- Common Name(s): Canegrub

Hosts:
Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); other grasses

Distribution: Indonesia
Nearest known location to Australia:

Indonesia

Economic Damage:

High. It is similar to Australian white grub speCies. Spread could be facilitated by
- confusion with local species.

Entry potential: Low

Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low

Biology:
L. sp. near al1nata has become more important as a sugarcane pest in Indonesia since
the dlY lands in Java and the outer islands were opened up for cultivation. Like many of the beetles that have not been regarded previously as serious pests of sugarcane, the biology is not well known. It is thought that this species has a I year cycle. The adult beetles emerge from the soil at dusk at the beginning of the wet season (September). Peak emergence is reached around the middle of October. Young larvae appear in the soil from September to February. The older larvae are found between November and March and reach their highest number in February. Between August and October the larger larvae are very scarce, at which time the majority of larvae have entered the pupal stage which lasts from June to August. Inactive adults (pre-emergent) are found in the soil between August to October but emergence usually stam around the middle of September (Samoedi 1995).

Physical damage:
..... The roots of the plant are chewed and the underground stems are gouged.
Symptoms of infestation include tip and stool die back, and yellowing leaves. Severely infested plants can be easily blown over.

Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem 0 ; Root .; Other 0

Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of roots and soil for larvae in summer and autumn. Light traps can be used to monitor adults. Visual check for plant damage during summer and autumn stools falling over, tip and stool die back.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Traps (light, sticky and pheromone) can be used to monitor adults. SUlvey possible infestation sites for evidence of the larvae in the soil and around the

31
roots. Conduct visual checks of sugarcane for symptoms of infestation. Knockdown insecticides and ploughing out can be done if commercial cane fields become infested. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use resistant cane varieties and look for natural enemies. Onshore: Increased visual inspection of plant material at points of entry. Confiscate or heat treat all soil being transported. Increase trapping around sites of infestation. Monitor spread by sampling the soil around roots for larvae and pupae. The use of knockdown insecticides (such as Mocap or Rugby) would be considered for isolated infestations. Consider the possibility of setting a quarantine area around the infestation sit e. Plough out infested field s. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use of natural enemies that could be imported. Investigate the use of pheromones to be used in trapping out, monitoring and confusion techniques. Maintain snict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: Low risk for introduction because it would need to enter the countly in soil. High economic risk should it become established. Potential for damage is high especially as it could be confu sed with local speci es ofLepidiota .
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 07415 93228; Fax. 074159 3383.
References: Samoedi, D. (1 995). Seasonal abundance of Leucopholis sp nr. armata Sharp (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a pest of sugarcane in South Kalimantan. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 21st Congress, 5-14 March, 1992, Bangkok, Thailand. 600-606. Samoedi, D., Allsopp , P.G. and Kuniata, L. (1994). Pest status, biology and control measures for soil pests of sugar cane in the Australian, Indonesian and Papua New Guinean regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Afiica, May 30-June 3, 1994,27-42.

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32

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Perkitlsiella saccharivora Muir Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder

- Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)
Distribution: India, Philippines
Nearest known location to Australia: Philippines
- Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, if a virus vector, the damage due to transmission of Fiji Disease would be extremely high, especially in Queensland (north of Proserpine) which is cUlTently virus-free.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Mediwn-High

Biology: The biology of this insect is not well known, however it is likely that it is similar to that of P. saccharicida, which is described here. Females can live up to 2 months and lay up to 300 eggs. Oviposition takes place at night and only occasionally during the day. The eggs are laid in the midrib of the leaf, low down on the upper surface but can be found in the leaf sheath, leaf blade, shoot or internode as well. Eggs can be laid in batches of 1-12 and the upper ends sometimes project above the leaf surface. The incubation period is, on average, around 14 days but can range from
- 35-40 days depending on temperature. There are 5 nymphal stages each lasting between 4 and 9 days. The length of the total life cycle lasts about 48-56 days, again depending on the ambient temperature. The adults feed with the nymphs in the leaf funnels but are more active at night and may disperse by short or longer, sustained flight s fi'om one plant to another. In Hawaii, flights of adults have occurred in such nutnbers as to form migratory swanns (Fennah 1969). At certain periods some adults ani brachypterous and flightless. Some control of this insect may be achieved by the selected use of resistant varieties of cane. P. saccharivora may be a vector of Fiji Disease which is a cane disease of major importance (Pemberton and Charpentier 1969).

Physical damage: Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity. The feeding will produce lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the ti ssue.

Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0 ; Leaf . ; Stem 0; Root 0; Other 0

-

33
Detectio nId ia gn osis: Visual check of plants for adults and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as dIY, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or disease. Investigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane varieties. Visual check of crops for adults and symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be iso lated and destroyed if virus is detected. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High, as thi s insect may have the potential for virus transmission (Fiji Disease).
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and VeterinaIY Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 026391 3800; Fax. 02 63913899; email: fletchm@agric.nsw .gov.au Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651 Bundaberg, QLD 4670. Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 0741593383.
References: FAO/SCP Commission. (1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System Internet, http: //PPPIS.fao.org Fennah, R.G . (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, 1.R. , Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam. 368-89. PembeI10n, C.E. and Charpentier, LJ. (1969). Insect vectors of sugar cane virus diseases. In Williams, 1.R., Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W. , Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 4l1-25.

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34

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Perkinsiella vastatrix Breddin Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder Dicrallotropis vasatrix; Dicranothropis vasatrix

vasatrix;

Delphacodes

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Sorghum bicolor (sorghum); Zea mays (maize)

Distribution: Central America, Tanzania, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, the damage due to transmission of Fiji Disease would be extremely high, especially in Queensland (north of Proserpine) which is cUlTently viIUs-free.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Medium-High

Biology: There is an interval of about 2-25 days between the emergence of the adult female and the onset of oviposition. The eggs are laid in groups on the inner surface of the leaf sheath and on the midrib of exposed leaves, just under the epidermis. The number of eggs laid in a leaf may reach l800 but is usually much less. There are 1-4 eggs per group. The incubation period lasts from 14-17 days depending whether or not the leaf is in the shade. After hatching, the nymphs do not disperse but remain to feed on the younger, more succulent leaves. There are 5 nymphal instars, each last in
- about 3 or 4 days and the total nymphal stage lasts around 19 days. The total life cycle is about 42 days but can vary between 32-66 days depending on the season. In the Philippines, there can be 5 generations per year in the open fields where the insect cail breed from July to April, and 6 generations in shaded areas where the insect can breed all year round (Fennah 1969). Declining populations were attributed to the lower rainfall resulting plant tissues that are drier and less suitable for feeding or oviposition. There are cane varieties that are more susceptible to damage by this insect and this attribute can be used to reduce infestations. It is possible that the parasitoids that are used against P. saccharicida would be as effective against this species. P. vastatrix is a vector of Fiji Disease which is a disease of major importance.

Physical damage: Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity. Lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the tissue will occur due to feeding.

35
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf .; Stem 0; Root 0; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of plants for adults and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as dry, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or disease. !n\"estigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane vatieties. Visual check of crops for adults and symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be isolated and destroyed if virus is detected. Maintain sttict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High, as this planthopper is a vector of Fiji Disease.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 02 63913800; Fax. 02 63913899; email: fletchm@agric.nsw.gov.au Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651 Bundaberg, QLD 4670. Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 0 7 4 1 5 9 3 3 83.
References: Fennah, R.G . (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89. Pemberton, C.E. and Charpentier, LJ. (1969). Insect vectors of sugar cane virus diseases. In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 411-25. Szent-Ivany, J.J.H. and Ardley, J.H. (1963). Insects of Saccharum spp. in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists XI Congress, 24 September-5 October, 1962, Reduit, Mauritius, 690 -694.

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36

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Perkinsiella vitiellsis Kirkaldy Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

.... Distribution: Fiji, Samoa, Niue, Papua New Guinea Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, the damage due to transmission of Fiji Disease would be extremely high, especially in Queensland (north of Proserpine) which is currently vims-free.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Medium-High

Biology: The life cycle of this insect is not well known, however it Is likely that it is similar to that of P. saccharicida which is described here. Females can live up to 2 months and lay up to 300 eggs. Oviposition takes place at night and only occasionally during the day. The eggs are laid in the midrib of the leaf, low down on the upper surface but can be found in the leaf sheath, leaf blade, shoot or internode as well. Eggs can be laid in batches of 1-12 and the upper ends sometimes project above the leaf surface. The incubation period is, on average, around 14 days but can range from 35-40
.... depending on temperature. There are 5 nymphal stages each lasting between 4 and 9 days. The length of the total life cycle lasts about 48-56 days, again depending on the ambient temperature. The adults feed with the nymphs but are more active at night
.... and may disperse by short flights from one plant to another. In Hawaii, occasional flights of adults downwind occUlTed in such numbers as to form migratory swarms (Fennah 1969). At certain periods some adults are brachypterous and flightless. Some control of this insect may be achieved by the selected use of resistant varieties of cane. There is a suite of natural enemies (parasitoids and predators) that provide reasonable control of this leafhopper in Australia. P. vitiensis is imp0l1ant as a pest because it is a vector of Fiji Disease which has a restricted distribution within Australia.

Physical damage: Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic
.... capacity. Lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the tissue will occur due to feeding.

Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fmit 0; Seed 0; Leaf . ; Stem 0; Root 0; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis:

37
Visual check of plants for adu lts and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as dry, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots. Options for respo nse to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or disease. Investigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane varieties. Visual check of crops for adults and symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be isolated and destroyed if virus is detected. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High , as tbi s in sect is a vector for Fiji Disease.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 0263913800; Fax. 0263913 899; email: fletchm@agric.nsw.gov .au Mr. S. Foliaki, Quarantine and Quality Management Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 14, Nuku'alofa, Tonga; Ph. 67624257; Fax. 676 24922
References: Fennah, R.G. (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to tbe metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, l.R. , MungomelY, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89. Pemberton, C.E. and Charpentier, L.l. (1969). Insect vectors of sugar cane virus diseases. In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, l .R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 411 -25.

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L 38

Species:

Pyrilla perplIsilla

Author: Order:

(W alker) Hemiptera

Family:

Lophopidae

Common Name(s): Sugarcane leafhopper

Synonym(s):

Pyrops perpusilla; Pyrops pelpusillus; Zamila pelpusilla

- Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Andropogon sorghum (sorghwn); Avena sativa (oats);

A. Jatua (wild oats); Bambusa arundinacea (bamboo); Hordeum vulgare (barley);

O'yza sativa (rice); Panicum colonum (awnless barnyard grass); P. maximum (Guinea grass); Pennisetum typhoides (pearl millet); P. americanwn (bulmsh millet); Sorghum hicolor (sorghum); S. halp ense (Jonhson grass); Triticum sativum (wheat);

Zea mays (maize); Cicer arietinum (chick pea); Melilotus alba (white sweet clover); M. parviflora (sweet clover); Pisum sativum (garden pea); Ficus infectoria (green paker leaf) ; F. religiosa (banyan)

Distribution: Afghanistan, Nepal, Ind ia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sli Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia
- Nearest known location to Australia: Indonesia Economic Damage: High. When infestations reach epidemic proportions sugar recovery is <50%.

Entry potential: Hi gh

- Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology:
- The adult life span of P. pelpusilla varies from l4-200 days with females living slightly longer than males. The females have a pre-copulation peliod of 11 days.

- Copulation takes place during the day. A pre-oviposition period can last from 3-47 days depending on the season and temperature. The eggs are laid during the day along the midrib on the lower surface of the leaves. In the winter the eggs are laid on

the inside of the base of the leaf sheath. They are deposited on rows, usually 4 or 5,

and are covered with a waxy material secreted by the female. Twenty to 50 eggs are

laid in a batch. Between 2 and 25 days can occur between successive ovipositions.

The female has a lifetime fecundity of 37-880 eggs. The incubation period ranges

Ii'om 6-30 days and is dependent on seasonal variations. There are 5 nymphal instars,

each ranging from 7-l 0 days. In India and Pakistan there are 3-4 generations per

year. The ideal temperature for nymphal development is around 30C with a relative

humidity of 80% (Kumarasinghe and Wratten 1996). In north India, the total life

cycle, from egg to adult, takes about 40-42 days in the summer, extending to almost

200 days in the winter months. The insect overwinters in the nymphal stage and in

the spring, the resident population transforms into adults. Crops with a high relative

humidity are more suitable for development. Hot and dry climatic conditions appear

to reduce populations, while the more humid months are conducive to increases in

nwnbers (Rajak el al. 1987). There are a nwnber of parasitoids that attack P.

pelpusilla . Other means of reducing populations include the use of pathogens,

39
cultural practices, host plant resistance and chemical control.
Physical damage: This insect sucks sap from the leaves and deposits honeydew onto the foliage leading to sooty moulds. This results in decreased yields and sugar quality. The leaves of infested plants will be pale and dry.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0 ; Leaf .; Stem 0 ; Root 0; Other 0
Detectio nJd iagnosis:
Visual check for adults and nymphs on the undersides of the leaves. Visual check for symptoms of infestation which include leaves having a pale appearance and the presence of sooty mould which tends to be on the lower leaves.
Options for response to detection:
Offshore: Maintain vigilance at points of entry for infested plant material. Increase public awareness of this insect as a selious pest. Chemical control has been of some use in India; chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos and malathion are the most commonly used insecticides. Instigate a program to investigate resistant cane varieties and natural enerrues. Onshore: At points of entry, increase visual checks for adu lts and nymphs on plant material, especially sugarcane. Check crops for symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be quarantined and destroyed if needed . Chemical sprays can be used but this would be expensive and impractical in mature stands of cane. Investigate the introduction of natural enemies which are effective overseas.
Estimated risk:
High, especially in ratooning crops where it can breed throughout the year and populations can build up .
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information:
Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 02 639 1 3800; Fax. 02 6391 3899; email: fletchm@agric. nsw.gov.au
References: Kumarasinghe, N.C. and Wratten, S.D. (1996). The sugarcane lophopid planthopper Pyrilla pelpusilla (Homoptera: Lophopidae): a review of its biology, pest status and control. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 86:485-98 . Rajak, R.L., Pawar, A.D., Misra, M.P., Prasad, 1., Verma, A. and Singh, G.P. (1987). Sugarcane pyril\a epidemic 1985 - a case study. Plant Protection Bulletin, India, 39(3): 1-9. Rajendra, A. (1979). Insect pests attacking sugarcane in Sri Lanka and the parasites and predators recorded on them. Ceylon Journal of Science, Biological Sciences, 13 :29-35 .

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... 40

Species:

Scirpophaga excerptalis

Author:

Walker

Order:

Lepidoptera

.... Family:

Pyralidae

Common Name(s): Top borer, Top shoot borer

Synonym(s):

Nive/la excelptalis; Chilo excelpla/is; Scbpophaga intacta;

Scbpophaga rhodoprocta/is; Scbpophaga monostigma;

Scirpophaga butyrota; Tryporyza inlacta; Topeutis rhodoprocta/is

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Sorghum ha/pense (Johnson grass)

Distribution: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: High. In India, damaged cane has resulted in a 36% reduction in yield. In Australia, this could be even higher without the benefits of biological control. Sugar quality would also be affected.

Entry potential: Medium

Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Hi gh

Biology: The eggs are laid in masses of 6-30 near the midrib of the underside of the leaf and
... are covered with brown hairs and scales. They hatch after 8 or 9 days and the young larvae, attached to silken threads, disperse to nearby cane. They enter the cane from the spindle by boring down into the growing point so that when the leaves open there is a characteristic 'shot-hole' effect. The damage caused by heavy boring into the growing point and soft internodes causes heavy sideshoot development. Whole stalks in a stool can be damaged. There are 5 larval instars with a duration of 32-35 days. Before pupation the larvae make an exit hole and cover it with a thin film of tissue . The pupal stage lasts between 8-12 days. The total life cycle is about 50-56
... days with overlapping generations. With favourable conditions there are 5 or 6 generations a year. While cane less than 4 months old is the preferred stage, damage can be seen in cane that is 2-8 months old or even older. In the early stages of attack (tillering) the cane may recover, however in older cane the damaged stalks result in low cane yields and a loss in sugar content or quality (Kuniata 1994). There are no studies on S. excelpta/is in Papua New Guinea, however, in India this species was
... shown to reduce sucrose (80%), purity (21 %), brix (36%) and recovelY (58%) compared to undamaged cane (Verma et af. 1986). Cane yield was reduced by 35% compared to heal thy cane.

Physical damage: The stems are bored and chewed by the larvae, especially in cane less than 4 months old. The growing point of the plant is entered by several larvae leaving a characteristic shot-hole appearance in the leaves after they open. Damage to the growing point will result in heavy side shoot development.

41

Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem .; Root 0; Other 0
Detectio nJd ia gnosis: Visual check of stems for evidence of boring and shot-hole effect in new leaves. The internodes near the top of the plant will be damaged by the larvae tunnelling and feeding.' Infested plants will have heavy side shoot development.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Visual check of plant material for larvae, especially the top internodes. Investigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Light traps can be used to monitor the presence of adults. Onshore: Inspect all plant material at points of entry. Use light traps to detect adults. Invest igate the use of parasitoids for long term control. Chemical control has proved unsuccessful. Roguing the cane plants can provide some control.
Estimated risk: High. There is no other insect like this in Australia.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 074056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Kuniata, L.S. (1994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar cane stalk borers in the Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane grow ing regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop , Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994,83-96. Singla, M.L. and Duhra, M.S . (1992). Effect of row direction on the incidence of sugarcane borers, Chilo infuscatellus Snell. and Scilpophaga excerptalis Wlk. Journal of Insect Science, 5:223-4. Verma, S.N., Singh, O.P. and Neema, K.K. (1986). Effect of top shoot borer (Scilpophaga excerptalis Wlk.) damage on tbe quality and yield of sugarcane in Madhya Pradesh. Indian Sugar Crops Journal, Jan-Mar 1986:13-15.

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....
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42

Species: Author: Order: Family: Conunon Name(s): Synonym(s):

Scirpophaga nivella (Fabricius) Lepidoptera Pyralidae Top borer; Sugarcane top borer; Top borer of sugarcane
TlypO/yza nivella; Scirpophaga auriflua; S. chlysorrhoa;
brunnescens; Tinea nivella; Crambus niveus

S.

Hosts:
Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); O,yza sativa (rice); Andropogon sorghum (sorghum);
Chloris barbata (purple top chloris); Eclzinochloa colona (awnless barnyard grass);
Pennisetulll pwpureum (elephant grass); P. typhoideum (pearl millet); Paniculll spp.
- (grasses); Erianthus lIlunja (munj grass); Scierostachya Jusca (grass); Sorghum halpense (Johnson grass); Miscanthus sinensis (Japanese pampas grass); lschaelllwn rugoswn (wrinkle grass);!lIlperata arundinacea (lalang)

Distribution: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Japan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia
Nearest known location to Australia: Java

Economic Damage: High. In India, damaged cane has resulted in a 36% reduction in yield. In Australia, this could be even higher without the benefits of biological control. Sugar quality would also be affected.

Entry potential: Medium

Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology: The eggs are laid in 2-4 rows of 30-80 eggs on the underside of the leaf, usually the 2nd-5th leaf, and are covered with brown hairs and scales. They hatch after 8 or 9 days and the young larvae are dispersed by the wind on silken threads. The young larvae bore into the lower side of the midrib or the youngest leaf that is open and turinel downwards . They reach the spindle about 24 hours after they start bOling through the leaf. The resulting tunnels are initially white and later appear as a red stripe or track. If the leaves open there is a characteristic 'shot-hole' effect, but usually the spindle dies leaving a dead heart. This process is dependent on the age of the cane and takes about 7-14 days. Mature plants do not tend to have as many dead hearts as younger plants. There is only one larva per shoot. The damage caused by
- heavy boring into the growing point and soft internodes causes heavy sideshoot development. Whole stalks in a stoo l can be damaged. There are 5 larval instars with a total duration of 15-45 days. Before pupation the larvae make an exit hole and cover it with a thin film of tissue. The pupal stage lasts 4-5 days. The total life cycle is about 25-83 days with overlapping generations. With favourable conditions there are 5 or 6 generations a year. In some areas of northern India the larvae hibernate for 3 or 4 months, while in tropical India adults emerge all year (Avasthy 1969). The adu lts are not strong fliers and are most active during the night. They are strongly attracted to light. They live for about 4 days. Nearly all stages of sugarcane can be infested, but cane less than 4 months is the preferred stage. In the

43
early stages of attack (tillering) the cane may recover, however in older cane the damaged stalks result in low cane yields and a loss in sugar content or quality (Kuniata 1994). Sugar losses due to this pest were 8-10% in Java (Samoedi 1988). Control has been reasonably successful with an egg parasitoid, Telenomus benejiciens. S. nive//a intacta, causes serious damage to sugar cane in Java and has a similar life cycle.
Physical damage: The sterns are bored and chewed by the larvae, especially in cane less than 4 months old. The growing point of the plant is entered by several larvae leaving a charactelistic shot-hole appearance in the leaves after they open. Dead hearts will be formed due to the damage to the growing tip . Red stripes will appear on new leaves.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0 ; Leaf 0 ; Stem . ; Root 0; Other 0
DetectionIdiagn osis: Visual check of sterns for evidence of boring and shot-hole effect in new leaves. The internodes near the top of the plant will be damaged by the larvae tunnelling and feeding. New leaves will show a red stripe and dead heat1s will be evident.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Visual check of plant material for larvae, especially the top internodes. Instigate a program to screen for resistant cultivars and potential natural enemies. Onshore: Inspect all plant material at points of entry. Use light traps to detect adults. Invest igate the use of parasitoids for long telID control. Chemical control has proved un successful. Roguing the cane plants can provide some control
Estimated risk: High. There is no other insect like this in Australia.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chand ler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 07 4056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Avasthy, P.N. (1969). The top borer of sugar sane, Scirpophaga nive//a (F.). In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, J.R. , Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 189-205. Kuniata, L.S . (1994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar cane stalk borers in the Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane growing regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994,83-96. Samoedi, D. (19 88). Yield losses of commercial cane varieties by top borer. Majalah Perusahaan Gula, 24(3): 1-6.

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44

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Sesamia grisescells (Wan·en) Lepidoptera Noctuidae Pink stalk borer, Sugarcane borer; Shoot borer; Ramu shoot borer

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Pennisetum pwpureum (elephant grass); Panicum maximum (Guinea grass)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea Nearest known location to Australia:

Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage:
High. Infestation can lead to an 18% reduction in sugar production (Kuniata 1994).
L This species is a major constraint on the production of sugarcane in PNG.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

.... Biology: Moths hide in the trash and at night they fly to feed, mate and oviposit. Adult moths can live about 7 days. Females produce a sex pheromone to attract males. Eggs are laid in batches of 2 or 3 masses of about 120 eggs each. Unlike other Sesamia spp., which prefer the tillering stage, S. grisescens shows no preference for any particular growth stage of cane, but there is a marked preference in the leaf chosen for oviposition. Eggs are laid directly behind the sheath of the 4th-6th leaf (the unfurled spindle is leaf nwnber I), and take about 8 days to hatch. After hatching the gregarious larvae feed on the inner surface of the leaf sheath for a minimwn of 2 days before moving into the soft tissue 2 or 3 internodes below the apical meristem This cuts the apical meristem from the rest of the plant which results in dead-hearts. It takes 2-4 days for the dead-hea11 to appear and it takes the larvae around 7-11 days to completely hollow out the top internodes. At this time the larvae (usually 4th instar) disperse, either singly or in small groups, to nearby cane plants to finish development. There are 7 larval instars and all are varying shades of the characteristic pink colour. Before pupation the fully grown larva cuts an exit hole in the stalk and then retreats back into the bored stalk to pupate. By then there are only about 3 larvae in the infested stalk and while the damage sustained is extensive, the meristem is rarely destroyed. Larvae take 33-35 days to complete development and the pupal stage lasts from 13-23 days . With favourable conditions this insect can complete up to 6 generations in a year. Each generation is highly synchronised and last 53-66 days (Young and Kuniata 1992; Kuniata and Sweet 1994).

u Physical damage:
The internode tissues, especially those of the top 3 internodes are destroyed through feeding and several nodes below. This leads to the fonnation of dead hearts. The spindle leaf tends to tum grey or yellow before shrivelling. Boring into the stalk produces a weakened plant which will be more likely to fall over. Large decreases in sugar content and quality have been noted with infestations.

45

Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0 ; Leaf 0 ; Stem . ; Root 0 ; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check for adults by the use of pheromone and tight traps. Visual check of stalks for egg masses and larvae. A monitoring system has been devised - 200 stalks/field are randomly sampled every 3-4 weeks and the number of egg masses, larvae and pupae are counted (Kuniata and Young 1994). Check plants for symptoms of early infestation. This includes the development of a grey tint to the spindle leaf followed by a yellowing. Eventually the leaf spindle turns brown and shrivels. Later infestation includes the appearance of dead hearts.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Increased education and awareness of the pest and its potential for damage. Visual check of plant material leaving the islands and PNG. Investigate potential natural enemies and diseases. Instigate procedures that allow Queens land cultivars to be screened for resi stance. Onshore: Visual check at points of entlY of all plant material, this includes pleasure as well as commercial craft. Visual check of crop s for early damage. Use of pheromone trap s as a monitoring system, trapping out or mating disruption. Light traps can be used to monitor spread of adu lts. Consider early planting (FebrualY to September) to protect young plants. Investigate the use of natural enemies and an integrated management system. Infested crops can be quarantined and destroyed if thought necessaIy. Some use has been made of insecticides such as granular carbofuran (Furadan), but this is not advised as an alternative to tbe use of natural enemies. Early harvesting can minimise spread of the insect and roguing infested stalks should remove a large number of young larvae. Green cane harvesting has also proved effective in reducing thi s pest. Maintain strict internal quarantine.
Estimated risk: Hi gh. There is no insect tbat does this type of damage to sugarcane in Australia.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further. Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph . 07 4056 1255.
References:
Young, G.R. and Kuniata, L.S . (1992). Life bistory and biology of Sesamia grisescens
Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a sugarcane borer in Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Australi an Entomological Society, 31: 199-203.
Kuniata, L.S . and Sweet, C.P.M. (1994). Management of Sesamia grisescens Walker
(Lep.: Noctuidae), a sugar-cane borer in Papua New Guinea. Crop Protection, 13:488-93 . NAQS. (1991) . A Report for the Northern Au stralian Quarantine Strategy. Targetted Exotic Pests. Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy, 49 pp.

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46

Species:
- Author: Order:

Sesamia illferells (Walker) Lepidoptera

Family:

Noctuidae

Common Name(s): Pink stem borer; Shoot borer; Top borer; Pink rice borer; Purple

stem borer; Ragi stem borer; Violet stem borer

Synonym(s):

Nonagria inferens

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Eleusine coracana (Ragi); Zea mays (maize); Miscallt/zus sinensis (Japanese pampas grass); Elaeis guineensis (oil palm); E. oleifera (oil palm); O,yza sativa (rice); Sorghum bicolor (sorghum); Vigna radiata (mung bean); Triticum spp. (wheat); cereals; millet

Distribution:

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,

BUlma (Myanmar), Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea,

Solomon Is

Nearest known location to Australia:

Solomon Islands; Papua New Guinea

- Economic Damage: High. This insect may have the same potential for damage as Sesamia grisescens which is a major constraint on sugar cane production in PNG.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

Hi gh

Spread Potential: High

Biology:
S. inferens causes dead hearts in young plants and dead leaf sheaths in mature plants. Adult moths are strong fliers and have been known to travel up to 50 kIn. Dispersal
usually occurs in the first 6 days after emergence while the ovaries are developing. There is a pre-ovipositional period of 2-3 days. Eggs are laid in 1-5 row s within the leaf sheath with 30-100 eggs per batch. Incubation takes about 7 days. Larvae are purple or pink on the dorsal side and white on the ventral side, and can be distinguished from pyralid larvae by the presence of dark spiracles. Larvae stal1 feeding on the leaf sheath and then tunnel into the stem The growing tip may be destroyed by the gregarious feeding of larvae in the same internode. When the available food has been consumed, larvae disperse to nearby plants. Development takes about 3-4 weeks. The mature larva makes an exit hole in the stem before moving back up the tunnel to pupate. The tunnel is blocked with a plug of fi-ass. The adults are short lived, therefore, mating and oviposition occur shortly after
emergence (Kuniata 1994). Five to 6 generations per year occur in Taiwan while
there are 6-7 generations per year in Japan. There is some doubt about the number
oflarval instars which range from 5-7 (Cheng 1994).

Physical damage: The larval damage results in the production of dead hearts and the destruction of upper stalks especially of young plants. This will lead to a reduction in cane yield and sugar quality as well as increased problems in the milling process.

47
Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem . ; Root 0; Other 0
Detectio nJd iagnosis: Visual check for symptoms of infestation - dead hearts and bored stalks, especially the upper 3 intemodes. Sticky traps and pheromone traps can be used to monitor the presence and spread of adults.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Increased education and awareness of the pest and its potential for damage. Visual check of plant material leaving the islands and PNG. Investigate potential natural enemies and diseases. Instigate procedures that allow Queensland cultivars to be screened for resistance. Onshore: Visual check at points of entry of all plant material, this includes pleasure as well as commercial craft. Visual check of crops for early damage. Use of pheromone traps as a monitoring system, trapping out or mating disruption. Light trap s can be used to monitor spread of adults. Consider early planting (February to September) to protect young plants. Investigate the use of natural enemies and an integrated management system. Infested crops can be quarantined and destroyed if thought necessaly. Some use has been made of insecticides sucb as granular carbofuran (Furadan), but this is not advised as an altemative to the use of natural enemies. Early harvesting can minimise spread of tbe insect and roguing infested stalks should remove a large number of young larvae. Green cane harvesting has also proved effective in reducing this pest. Maintain strict intemal quarantine.
Estimated risk: High. There is no insect that does this type of damage to sugarcane in Ausn·alia.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 07 4056 1255; Fax 07 40562405.
References: Cheng, W. Y. (1994). Sugar cane stem borers of Taiwan. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30June 3, 1994,97-106. Kuniata, L.S. (1994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar cane stalk borers in the Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane growing regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, Soutb Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994,83-96. Pitaksa, C, Pracbuabmoh, 0 ., and Legg, D.E. (1989). Presence-absence sequential sampling plans for the sugarcane shoot borers. Thai Joumal of Agricultural Science, 22:69-76. Rajendra, A. (1979). Insect pests attacking sugarcane in Sri Lanka and the parasites and predators recorded on them. Ceylon Joumal of Science, Biological Sciences, 13: 29-35.

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48

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Tetramoera schistacealta (Snellen) Lepidoptera Olethreutidae Grey borer; Sugarcane shoot borer; Grey borer of sugarcane Argyroploce schistaceana; Cydia schistaceana; Eucosma schistaceana; Grapholita schistaceana; Laspeyresia sc!zistaceana; Olethreutes schistaceana

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Cyperus rotundus (nut grass); other Gramineae

Distribution: Chile, Mauritius, Reunion, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia
.... Nearest known location to Australia: Indonesia
Economic Damage: High. Damage to young tillers will result in cane having to be replanted leaving uneven crop growth and maturity. Internode damage. can be high which will lead to decreased yields and sugar quality.

Entry potential: Medium

Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology: Eggs are laid singly or in small clusters on the leaf sheaths or on the underside of the leaves and take 4-5 days to hatch. Females can lay 400 eggs in a lifetime. Young larvae penetrate the young plants through the basal portion of the plant near or under the soil level. Once inside the plant they travel upwards in a spiralling tunnel near the
.... stem surface. On reaching the top of the plant it bores downwards, killing the growing point, producing a dead heart. If the growing point is not killed, a distorted shoot enveloped in a dry leaf will be formed. Leaves of velY young shoots can be attacked as well, while in older cane, tbe tops and older nodes of the stem are damaged. The stem can break off if the tunnel is transverse. The grey borer can colonise sites desel1ed by top borers such as T'YPo,yza spp. Larvae can migrate between shoots. There are 5 larval instars. Larval and pupal stages take 13- 18 and 7- 10 days, respectively. In Taiwan the larval stages last from 23-56 days and the pupal stage lasts for 8-24 days (Cheng 1994). Before pupation, the larva bores through the leaf sheath closest to the outer sheath and makes a cocoon which blocks the opening. After the adult emerges the empty pupal case protrudes from the stalk. Total development takes about 3-4 weeks depending on the season and temperature; in Taiwan there are 7-8 generations a year. Adults are weakly phototaxic and live for 7- 17 days providing sufficient water is available. Infestation of young plants probably occurs through the migration from nearby older plants. Up to 80% of the eggs can be parasitised by Trichogramma (Kalshoven 1981; Kuniata 1994; Cheng 1994). Some cane varieties are more susceptible than others to attack. Infestations levels
can become high if infested internodes are used for propagation and if the autumn-
planted cane becomes infested. Spring-planted cane usually has a lower level of
infestation.

49
Physical damage: This insect bores into the base of the tiller and feed s upwards towards the growing point which results in the formation of dead hearts. On mature cane, the larvae feed on the aerial bud and root band of the internode, both the surface and the interior. Rarely do the feeding tracks extend in to the next internode. The damage sustained by the plant results in decreased yields and sugar quality .
Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem .; Root 0 ; Other 0
Detectio oJd iagn 0 sis: Dead hea11s and young tillers with boring damage are easily seen. On older cane, a fine red line, starting from the damaged site, develops inside the internode. Surface feeding on aerial buds and root band of internodes is visible. In mature cane damage occurs in internodes and on aerial buds and root band of nodes.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Check plant material for the symptoms of infestation, especially inside internodes and aerial buds. Adults are attracted to light traps which can be used to monitor presence or spread. Investigate screening procedures of cane varieties that may he resi stant to the insect. Screen potential natural enemies and diseases. Onshore: Visually check all plant material at points of entry. Use light traps to detect adults near crops. Visually check crops for physical damage - dead hea11s andlor red st reaks inside internodes. Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. If a hea vily infested crop is found it can be quarantined and destroyed. Maintain strict interna l quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High. Damage to young tillers can result in reduced yields and sugar quality. No similar species occurs in Australi a.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph . 07 4056 1255.
References: Cheng, W.Y. (1994). Sugar cane stem borers of Taiwan. Proceedings of tbe Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30June 3, 1994,97-106. Cheng, W.Y., Cbang, C.H., and Wang, Z.T. (1987). Occurrence of Cotesiajlavipes Cameron (Hym: Braconidae) in autumn sugarcane fields. Report of the Taiwan Sugar Research Institute, No . 117:31-41 . Kalshoven, L.G.E. (1981). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. P.T. ltchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta. Kuniata, L.S. (1994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar cane stalk borers in tbe Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane growing regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop , Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994,83-96.

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50 I...

Species:

Lepidiota blanc/lardi

Author:

Dalla Torre

Order:

Coleoptera

Family:

Scarabaeidae

..... Common Name(s): Blanchard's canegrub

Synonym(s):

Lepidiota pruinosa Blanchard

Hosts:
Saccharum spp. (Sugarcane); other grasses

Distribution: Philippines
Nearest known location to Australia:

Philippines

Economic Damage: High. It is similar to Australian white grub species. Spread could be facilitated by confusion with local species.

Entry potential: Low Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low

.... Biology:
Little is know about the biology of this insect but it may be similar to L. reuleauxi
which is also found in PNG and to some of the Australian species. Canegrubs have similar life cycles, with the biggest difference being that some have a I-year cycle and others have a 2-year life cycle. The adult beetles disperse and lay eggs between September and Januaty, but in a 2-year life cycle the larvae remain underground for an extra year before emerging. Damage to the cane is done by the 3rd instar larvae, but, because of the different life cycles, the age of the cane differs between the two types. Damage by a I ~year grub occurs in the roots of well-grown cane. The plants turn yellow and eventually die. The cane can still be harvested but the yield and sugar quality will be reduced . Two-year grubs feed on the roots of recently harvested cane which can often recover, though it will be smaller than uninfested ca ne of the same age . Adult activity starts soon after the onset of the rainy season (around September-December). Adults emerge just before dusk to mate and males aggregate, probably to pheromonal cues from the female. Mated females return to underground chambers. Adult lifespan is 3-4 weeks and they do not appear to feed. Eggs are laid singly in cells and incubation takes 9-12 days (average soil temperature of 31AC). Egg laying takes place over 3 weeks with almost half the total eggs being laid in the second week. On average, 8 eggs/female are laid. There are 3 larval instal'S. Larvae require live root material to survive and develop. Larvae move into the sugarcane root zone 5-8 days after hatching. By late February all larvae are third instars. Feeding declines by late March and ceases by early May. Larvae are inactive for 12-14 weeks at the pre-pupal stage. Pupal chambers are 25-40 cm below the surface. Teneral adults first appear in early August and by mid-September all individuals are in this stage. These remain quiescent in pupal chambers for 4-6 weeks (Kuniata and Young 1992). Physical damage: The roots of the plant are chewed and the underground sterns are gouged.

51
Symptoms of infestation include tip dies back, yellowing leaves and stool die back. Severely infested plants can be easily blown over.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0 ; Leaf 0 ; Stem 0 ; Root .; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of roots and soil for larvae in summer and autumn. Light traps can be used to monitor adults. Check the crop during summer and autumn for plant damage - stools falling over, tip and stool die back.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Traps (light, sticky and pberomone) can be used to monitor adults. Survey possible infestation sites for evidence of the larvae in the soil and around tbe roots. Conduct visual checks of sugarcane for symptoms of infestation. Knockdown insecticides and ploughing out can be done if commercial cane field s become infested. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate tbe use resistant cane varieties and look for natural enemies. Onshore: Increased visual inspection of plant material at points of ently. Confiscate or beat treat all soil being transported. Increase trapping around sites of infestation. Monitor spread by sampling the soil around roots for larvae and pupae. Tbe use of knockdown insecticides (such .as Mocap or Rugby) would be considered for isolated infestations. Consider tbe possibility of setting a quarantine area around the infestation site. Plougb out infested fields . Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use of natural enemies tbat could be imported. Investigate tbe use of pheromones to be used in trapping out, monitOling and confusion techniques. Maintain strict internal quarantine.
Estimated risk: Low risk for introduction because it would need to enter the country in soil. High econnmic risk sbould it become established. Potential for damage is high, especially as it cou ld be confused witb local species ofLepidiota.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 0741593383.
References: Charernsom, K. and Suasa-ard, D.W. (1994). Pest status, biology and contro l measures for soil pests of sugar cane in South East Asia. Proceedings of tbe Second Sugar Cane Entomo logy Worksbop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994,53 -60. Kuniata, L.S. and Young, G.R. (1992). Tbe biology of Lepidiota reuleauxi Brenske (Co leoptera: Scarabaeidae), a pest of sugarcane in Papua New Gu inea. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society, 31:339-43.

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52

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Lepidiota discedens Sharp Coleoptera Scarabaeidae White grub, Canegrub Lepidiota descendens; Lepidiota discendens

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)
- Distribution:
Thailand, Indonesia
Nearest known location to Australia: Java

Economic Damage: High. It is similar to Australian white grub species. Spread could be facilitated by confusion with local species.

Entry potential: Low Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low

Biology: Little is know about the biology of this insect but it may be similar to L. reuleauxi which is also found in PNG and to some of the Australian species. Canegrubs have similar life cycles, with the biggest difference being that some have a I-year cycle and others have a 2-year life cycle. The adult beetles disperse and lay eggs between
.... September and January, but in a 2-year life cycle the larvae remain underground for
an extra year before emerging. Damage to the cane is done by the 3rd instar larvae, but, because of the different life cycles, the age of the cane differs between the two types. Damage by a I~year grub occurs in the roots of well-grown cane. The plants turn yellow and eventually die. The cane can still be harvested but the yield and sugar quality will be reduced. Two-year grubs feed on the roots of recently harvested cane which can often recover, though it will be smaller than uninfested cane of the same age. Adult activity starts soon after the onset of the rainy season (around September-December). Adults emerge just before dusk to mate and males aggregate, probably to pheromonal cues from the female. Mated females return to underground chambers. Adult lifespan is 3-4 weeks and they do not appear to feed . Eggs are laid singly in cells and incubation takes 9-12 days (average soil temperature of 31.4C). Egg laying takes place over 3 weeks with almost half the total eggs being laid in the second week. On average, 8 eggs/female are laid. There are 3 larval instars. Larvae require live root material to survive and develop. Larvae move into the sugarcane root zone 5-8 days after hatching. By late February all larvae are third instars. Feeding declines by late March and ceases by early May. Larvae are inactive for 12-14 weeks at the pre-pupal stage. Pupal chambers are 25-40 cm below the surface. Teneral adults first appear in early August and by mid-September all individuals are in this stage. These remain quiescent in pupal chambers for 4-6 weeks (Kuniata and Young 1992). Physical damage: The roots of the plant are chewed and the underground stems are gouged.

53
Symptoms of infestation include tip and stoo l die back and yellowing leaves. Severely infested plants can be easi ly blown over.
Plant part affected: Flower 0: Fruit 0 : Seed 0 ; Leaf 0 ; Stem 0; Root .; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of roots and soil for larvae in summer and autumn. Light traps can be used to monitor adults. Check the crop during summer and autumn for plant damage - stoo ls falling over, tip die back, stool die back.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Traps (light, sticky and pheromone) can be used to monitor adults. Survey possible infestation sites for evidence of the larvae in the so il and around the root s. Conduct visual checks of sugarcane for symptoms of infestation. Knockdown insecticides and ploughing out can be done if commercial cane fields become infested. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use resistant cane varieties and look for narural enemies. Onshore: Increased visual inspection of plant matelial at points of entry. Confiscate or heat treat all soil being transported. Increase trapping around sites of infestation. Monitor spread by sampling the soil around roots for larvae and pupae. The use of knockdown insecticides (such as Mocap or Rugby) would be considered for iso lated infestations. Consider the possibility of setting a quarantine area around the infestation site. Plough out infested fields. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate tbe use of natural enemies tbat could be imp0l1ed. Investigate tbe use of pheromones to be used in trapping out, monitOling and confusion tecbniques. Maintain snict internal quarantine.
Estimated risk: Low risk for introduction because it would need to enter tbe country in soil. Higb economic risk should it become established. Potential for damage is bigb especially as it could be confused with local species ofLepidiota.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further. Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 074159 3383.
References: Charemsom, K. and Suasa-ard, D.W. (1994). Pest status, biology and control measures for so il pests of sugar cane in Soutb East Asia. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30June 3, 1994, 53-60. Kuniata, L.S. and Young, G.R. ( 1992). The biology of Lepidiota reuleauxi Brenske (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a pest of sugarcane in Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society, 3 1:339-43 .

1
.,
.,
.,
..,
.,
....
1

54

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Lepidiota pruillosa (Wiedemann) Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Pruinose canegrub Melalantha pruinasa

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); grasses

Distribution: .Philippines, Indonesia
Nearest known location to Australia:

Java

Economic Damage: High. It is similar to Australian white grub species. Spread could be facilitated by confusion with local species.

Entry potential: Low Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low

Biology: Little is know about the biology of this insect but it may be similar to L. reuleauxi which is also found in PNG and to some of the Australian species. Canegrubs have similar life cycles, with the biggest difference being that some have a I-year cycle and
- others have a 2-year life cycle. The adult beetles disperse and lay eggs between September and January, but in a 2-year life cycle the larvae remain underground for an extra year before emerging. Damage to the cane is done by the 3rd instar larvae, but, because of the different life cycles, the age of the cane differs between the two types. Damage by a I-year grub occurs in the roots of well-grown cane. The plants turn yellow and eventually die. The cane can still be harvested but the yield and sugar quality will be reduced. Two-year grubs feed on the roots of recently harvested cane which can often recover, though it will be smaller than uninfested cane of the same age. Adult activity starts soon after the onset of the rainy season (around September-December). Adults emerge just before dusk to mate and males aggregate, probably to pheromonal cues from the female. Mated females return to underground chambers. Adult lifespan is 3-4 weeks and they do not appear to feed . Eggs are laid singly in cells and incubation takes 9-1 2 days (average soil temperature of 31.4C). Egg laying takes place over 3 weeks with almost half the total eggs being laid in the second week. On average, 8 eggs/female are laid. There are 3 larval instal'S. Larvae require live root material to survive and develop. Larvae move into the sugarcane root zone 5-8 days after hatching. By late February all larvae are third instars. Feeding declines by late March and ceases by early May. Larvae are inactive for 12-14 weeks at the pre-pupal stage. Pupal chambers are 25-40 cm below the surface. Teneral adults first appear in early August and by mid-September all individuals are in this stage. These remain quiescent in pupal chambers for 4-6 weeks (Kuniata and Young 1992). Physical damage: The roots of the plant are chewed and the underground stems are gouged.

55
Symptoms of infestation include tip and stool die back and yellowing leaves. Severely infested plants can be easi ly blown over.
Plant part affected:
Flower 0; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0 ; Leaf 0; Stem 0 ; Root . ; Other 0
DetectionJd iagnosis: Visual check of roots and so il for larvae in summer and autumn. Light traps can be used to monitor adults. Check the crop during summer and autumn for plant damage - stools failing over, tip and stool die back.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Traps (light, sticky and pheromone) can be used to monitor adults. Survey possible infestation sites for evidence of the larvae in the soil and around the roots. Conduct visual checks of sugarcane for symptoms of infestation . Knockdown insecticides and ploughing out can be done if commercial cane fields become infested. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use resistant cane varieties and look for natural enemies. Onshore: Increased visual inspection of plant material at points of entry. Confiscate or heat treat all soil being transpOlied. Increase trapping around sites of infestation . Monitor spread by sampling the soil around roots for larvae and pupae. The use of knockdown insecticides (such as Mocap or Rugby) wou ld be considered for isolated infestations. Consider the possibility of setting a quarantine area around the infestation site. Plough out infested fields. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use of natural enemies that could be imported. Investigate the use of pheromones to be used in trapping out, monitoring and confusion techniques. Maintain snict internal quarantine.
Estimated J"isk: Low risk for introduction because it would need to enter the country in soi l. High economic risk should it become established. Potential for damage is high especially as it could be confused with local species ofLepidiota.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 65 1, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 0741593383.
References: Charernsorn, K. and Suasa-ard, D.W.. (1994). Pest status, biology and control measures for soil pests of sugar cane in South East Asia. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30June 3, 1994, 53-60. Kuniata, L.S. and Young, G.R. (1992). The biology of Lepidiota reu/eauxi Brenske (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae), a pest of sugarcane in Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society, 31:339-43.

..,
,..,
.,
....,
J
....,
l
...

L 56

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Lepidiota stigma (Fabricius) Co leoptera Scarabaeidae Canegrub; White grub; Sugarcane white grub; Sugarcane grub Lepidiota alba; Melolantha stigma

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Manihot esculenta (cassava); grasses

Distribution: China, Thai land, Indonesia
- Nearest known location to Australia: Java
Economic Damage: High. It is similar to Australian white grub species. Spread could be facilitated by confusion with local species.

Entry potential: Low Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low

Biology: Adults become active during the first month of the rainy season. Tbey are active at
.... night and during the day they hide in protected sites. Mating takes place in the vegetation outside the crop, usually in tall trees. The female immediately returns to the soil to lay her eggs and the male remains in the trees until dawn. Egg laying females prefer fields with a vegetational cover. They prefer sandy or gravelly soil and are never found on clay soils. The pre-ovipositional period lasts about 14-25 days. The eggs are laid singly below the soil surface. The incubation period lasts 15-28 days. There are 3 larVal instars lasting a total of about 8-9 months. After hatching the larvae remain inactive for a month. They feed on living roots and stem bark about 20-30 cm below the soil surface. The 2nd and 3rd instar larvae are the most destructive phases. Young plants are most severely damaged by this insect and will usually die. The mature larvae form a pupal cell from roots and soils, 30-60 cm below the soil surface. The pupal stage lasts about 2 months (Wongkobrat 1988).

Physical damage: The roots of the plant are chewed and the underground stems are gouged. Symptoms of infestation include tip and stool die back and yellowing leaves. Severely infested plants can be easily blown over.

Plant part affected: Flower 0; F11Iit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem 0; Root .; Other 0
.... Detectio nJdiagnosis: Visual check of roots and soil for larvae in summer and autumn. Light traps can be used to monitor adults. Check the crop during summer and autumn for plant damage - stools falling over, tip and stool die back. Options for response to detection:

57
Offshore: Traps (light, sticky and pheromone) can be used to monitor adults. Survey possible infestation sites for evidence of the larvae in the soil and around the roots. Conduct visual checks of sugarcane for symptoms of infestation. Knockdown insecticides and ploughing out can be done if commercial cane fields become infested. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use resistant cane varieties and look for natural enemies. Onshore: Increased visual inspection of plant material at points of ently. Confiscate or heat treat all soil being transported. Increase trapping around sites of infestation . Monitor spread by samp ling the soil around roots for larvae and pupae. The use of knockdown insecticides (such as Mocap or Rugby) would be considered for isolated infestations. Consider the possibility of setting a quarantine area around the infestation sil eo Plough out infested field s. Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use of natural enemies that could be imported. Investigate the use of pheromones to be used in trapping out, monitoring and confusion techniques. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: Low risk for introduction because it wou ld need to enter the country in soil. High economic risk should it become established. Pot ential for damage is high especially as it could be confused with local species ofLepidioro .
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 07 4159 3383.
References: Jongeleen, FJJ. and Mahrub, E. (1979). The biology of two species of noxiou s Scarabaeidae from lridonesia. Zeitschrift t::::r angewandte Entomologie, 87:247-54.
May, P.D. and Hamilton, C. (1989). Dual purpose control of sugarcane borer and
soil pests in China. Sugar y Azu car, 84(12):22-3. Wongkobrat, A. ( 1988). Insect pests of cassava in Thailand. Cassava Newsletter,
12(1) :5 -7.

...,
,..,
J
...,
,..,

.,

.....
58
....

Species: Author: Order: Family: Conunon Name(s): Synonym(s):

Perkillsiella bicoloris Muir Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder Perkinsiella bicaloris

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea
.... Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, if a vector, the damage due to virus transmission (Fiji Disease) could be extremely high, especially in Queensland (n0l1h of Proserpine) which is cun'ently virus-free.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Medium-High

Biology: There is little known about the biology of this insect but it is likely that it is similar to that of P. vastatru. There is an interval of about 2-25 days between the emergence of the adult female and the onset of oviposition. The eggs are laid in groups on the inner surface of the leaf sheath and on the midrib of exposed leaves, just under the epidermis. The number of eggs laid in a leaf may reach 1800 but is usually much less. There are 1-4 eggs per group. The incubation period lasts from 14-17 days depending whether or not the leaf is in the shade. After hatching, the nymphs do not disperse but remain to feed on the younger, more succulent leaves. There are 5 nymphal instars, each lasting about 3 or 4 days with a total nymphal stage that lasts around 19 days. The total life cycle is about 42 days but can vary between 32-66 depending on the season. In the Philippines, there can be 5 generations per year in the open fields where the insect can breed from July to April, and 6 generations in shaded areas where the insect can breed all year round (Fennah 1969). Declining populations were attributed to the lower rainfall resulting in plant tissues that are drier and less suitable for feeding or oviposition. There are cane varieties that are more susceptible to damage by this insect and this attribute can be used to reduce infestations (Fennah 1969). In Australia, the indigenous species of Perkinsiella reaches peak adult populations in March. This species' ability to transmit virus is unknown.

Physical damage: Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity. The feeding will produce lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the tissue.

Plant part affected:

59
Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0 ; Leaf .; Stem 0; Root 0; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of plants for adults and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as dIY, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or di sease. Investigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane varieties. Visual check of crops for adults and symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be iso lated and destroyed if virus is detected. Maintain striCt internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High, for this insect may have the potential for virus transmission (Fiji Disease).
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 0263913800; Fax. 02639 13899; email: fletchm@agric.nsw.gov.au Mr. E. Phileman, Depal1ment of Agriculture and Livestock, Agricultural Protection Division, PO Box 2141, Boroko, PNG; Ph. 657 32 17405 ; Fax. 675 3214630
References: FAO/SCP Commission. (1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System Internet, http://PPPIS.fao.org. Fennah, R.G. (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabo lic state of the host plant. In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, J.R. , Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89. Szent-Ivany, J.J.H. and Ardley, J.H. (1963). Insects of Saccharum spp. in the Tenitory of Papua and New Guinea. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists XI Congress, 24 September-5 October, 1962, Reduit , Mauritius, 690-94.

1
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..,
...,
...,
'l
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60

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Perkillsiella diagoras Fennah Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia:

Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, if a virus vector, the damage due to viru s transmission (Fiji Disease) would be extremely high, especially in Queensland (north of Proserpine) which is cun'ently virus-free.

Entry potential: Hi gh Colonisation potential:

Hi gh

Spread Potential: Medium-High

Biology: Little known about the biology of this insect but it is likely that it is similar to that of P. vastatrix. There is an interval of about 2-25 days between the emergence of the adult female and the onset of oviposition. The eggs are laid in groups on the inner surface of the leaf sheath and on the midrib of exposed leaves, just under the epidermis. The number of eggs laid in a leaf may reach 1800 but is usually much less. There are 1-4 eggs per group . The incubation period lasts from 14-17 days depending whether or not the leaf is in the shade. After hatching, the nymphs do not disperse but remain to feed on the younger, more succulent leaves. There are 5 nymphal instars, each lasting about 3 or 4 days with a total nymphal stage that lasts around 19 days. The total life cycle is about 42 days but can vary between 32-66 depending on the season. In the Philippines, there can be 5 generations per year in the open fields where the insect can breed from July to Apri~ and 6 generations in shaded areas where the insect can breed all year round (Fennah 1969). Declining
.... populations were attributed to the lower rainfall resulting in plant tissues that are
drier and less suitable for feeding or oviposition. There are cane varieties that are more susceptible to damage by this insect and this attribute can be used to reduce infestations (Fennah 1969). In Australia, the indigenous species of Perkinsiella reaches peak adult populations in March. This species' ability to transmit viru s is unknown.

Physical damage: Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity. The feeding will produce lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the tissue.

Plant part affected:

61
Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf .; Stem 0; Root 0; Other 0 Detectio nJdiagnosis:
Visual check of plants for adults and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as diY, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots. Options for response to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or disease. Investigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane varieties. Visual check of crops for adults and symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be isolated and destroyed if virus is detected. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estima·ted risk: High, for this insect may have the potential for viru s tra nsmi ssion (Fiji Di sease).
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, AgIicultural and VeterinalY Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 02 63913800; Fax. 02 63913899; email: fl etchm@aglic.nsw.gov.au Mr. E. Phileman, Depal1ment of Agriculture and Livestock, Agricultural Protection Division , PO Box 2141, Boroko, PNG; Ph. 657 321 7405; Fax. 675 321 4630
References: FAO/SCP Commission. (1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System Internet, http://PPPIS.fao.org Fennah, R.G . (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, l.R., Metcalfe, J.R., MungomelY, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89.

...,
..,
,...,
...,
..,
..,
...,
1

.,

62

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Perkillsiella lalokellsis Muir Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia:

Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, if a virus vector, the damage due to virus transmission (Fiji Disease) would be extremely high, especially in Queensland (n0l1h of Proserpine) which is currently virus-free.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Medium-High

Biology: There is little known about the biology of this insect but it is likely that it is similar to that of P. vastatrix. There is an interval of about 2-25 days between the emergence of the adult female and the onset of oviposition. The eggs are laid in groups on the inner surface of the leaf sheath and on the midrib of exposed leaves, just under the
epidermis. The number of eggs laid in a leaf may reach 1800 but is usually much less.
There are 1-4 eggs per group. The incubation period lasts from 14~ 17 days depending whether or not the leaf is in the shade. After hatching, the nymphs do not disperse but remain to feed on the younger, more succulent leaves. There are 5 nymphal instars, each lasting about 3 or 4 days with a total nymphal stage that lasts around 19 days. The total life cycle is about 42 days but can vary between 32-66 depending on the season. In the Philippines, there can be 5 generations per year in the open fields where the insect can breed from July to April, and 6 generations in
.... shaded areas where the insect can breed all year round (Fennah 1969). Declining populations were attributed to the lower rainfall resulting in plant tissues that are drier and less suitable for feeding or oviposition. There are cane varieties that are more susceptible to damage by this insect and this attribute can be used to reduce infestations (Fennah 1969). In Australia, the indigenous species of Perkinsiella reaches peak adult populations in March. This species' ability to transmit virus is unknown.

Physical damage: Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity. The feeding will produce lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the tissue.

Plant part affected:

63
Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf .; Stem 0; Root 0; Other 0 Detection/diagnosis :
Visual check of plants for adults and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as diY, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots. Options for response to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or disease. Investigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane varieties. Visual cbeck of crops for adu lts and symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be isolated and destroyed if virus is detected . Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High, for this insect may have tbe potential for virus transmission (Fiji Disease).
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 02 6391 3800; Fax. 02 6391 3899; email: fletchm@agric.nsw.gov.au Mr. E. Pbileman, Depm1ment of Agriculture and Livestock, Aglicultural Protection Division, PO Box 2141, Boroko, PNG; Ph. 657 3217405 ; Fax. 675 3214630
References: FAO/SCP Commission. ( 1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System. Internet, http: //PPPIS.fao.org Fennah, R.G. (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in
relation to the metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, I.R., Metcalfe, I.R.,
MungomelY, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89.
Szent-Ivany, J.J.H. and Ardley, J.H. (1963). Insect s of Saccharum spp. in tbe
Ten-itory of Papua and New Guinea. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists Xl Congress, 24 September - 5 October, 1962, Reduit, Mauritius, 690 -694_

~I
., ,...., ,
;
...,'
...,
.,

l

64

Species: AuthOl·: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Perkillsiella papuellsis Muir Hemiptera Delphacidae Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia:

Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, if a virus vector, the damage due to virus transmission (Fiji Disease) would be extremely high, especially in Queensland (north of Proserpine) which is currently virus-free.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Medium-High

Biology: There is little known about the biology of this insect but it is likely that it is similar to that of P. vastatrix. There is an interval of about 2-25 days between the emergence of the adult female and the onset of oviposition. The eggs are laid in groups on the inner surface of the leaf sheath and on the midrib of exposed leaves, just under the epidermis. The number of eggs laid in a leaf may reach 1800 but is usually much less. There are 1-4 eggs per group. The incubation period lasts from 14-17 days depending whether or not the leaf is in the shade. After hatching, the nymphs do not disperse but remain to feed on the younger, more succulent leaves. There are 5 nymphal instars, each lasting about 3 or 4 days with a total nymphal stage that lasts around 19 days. The total life cycle is about 42 days but can vary between 32-66
.... depending on the season. In the Philippines, there can be 5 generations per year in the open fields where the insect can breed from July to April, and 6 generations in shaded areas where the insect can hreed all year round (Fennah 1969). Declining populations were attributed to the lower rainfall resulting in plant tissues that are drier and less suitable for feeding or oviposition. There are cane varieties that are more susceptible to damage by this insect and this attribute can be used to reduce infestations (Fennah 1969). In Australia, the indigenous species of Perkinsiella reaches peak adult populations in March. This species' ability to transmit virus is unknown .
.... Physical damage: Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity. The feeding will produce lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the tissue.

Plant part affected:

65
Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0 ; Leaf . ; Stem 0 ; Root 0 ; Other 0 Detectio nJd iagnosis:
Visual check of plants for adults and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as dIY, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots. Options for response to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or di sease. Investigate potential natural enemies and resi stant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane variet ies. Visual check of crops for adults and symptoms of infestation. Severely infested crops can be isolated and destroyed if virus is detected. Maintain stri ct internal quarantine procedures.'
Estimated risk: Hi gh, for this insect may have the potential for virus transmi ssion (Fiji Disease).
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd ., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 02 639 13800; Fax. 02 63913899; email: fletchrn@agric.nsw.gov.au Mr. E. Phileman, Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Agricultural Protection Division, PO Box 2141 , Boroko, PNG; Ph. 657 321 7405; Fax. 675 321 4630
References: FAO/SCP Commission. (1 997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System. Internet, http: //PPPIS .fao .org Fennah, R.G. ( 1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89.
Szent-Ivany, J.J.H. and Ardley, J.H. (1963). Insects of Saccharum spp. in the
TeITitory of Papua and New Guinea. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists XI Congress, 24 September - 5 October, 1962, Reduit, MauIitius, 690 -694.

.., .., ..,

..,

66

Species:

Perkblsiella rattlei

- Author: Order:

Muir Hemiptera

Family:

Delphacidae

Common Name(s): Sugarcane planthopper; Sidewinder

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia
Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: Direct damage to the crop would not be great, however, if a virus vector, the damage due to virus transmission (Fiji Disease) would be extremely high, especially in Queensland (n0l1h of Proserpine) which is currently virus-free.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Medium-High

Biology: There is little known about the biology of this insect but it is likely that it is similar to that of P. vastatrix. There is an interval of about 2-25 days between the emergence of the adult female and the onset of oviposition. The eggs are laid in groups on the inner surface of the leaf sheath and on the midrib of exposed leaves, just under the epidermis. The number of eggs laid in a leaf may reach 1800 but is usually much less.
..... There are 1-4 eggs per group. The incubation period lasts from l4-17 days
depending whether or not the leaf is in the shade. After hatching, the nymphs do not disperse but remain to feed on the younger, more succulent leaves. There are 5 nymphal instars, each lasting about 3 or 4 days with a total nymphal stage that lasts around 19 days. The total life cycle is about 42 days but can valY between 32-66 depending on the season. In the Philippines, there can be 5 generations per year in the open fields where the insect can breed from July to April, and 6 generations in shaded areas where the insect can breed all year round (Fennah 1969). Declining populations were attributed to the lower rainfall resulting in plant tissues that are drier and less suitable for feeding or oviposition. There are cane varieties that are more susceptible to damage by this insect and this attribute can be used to reduce infestations (Fennah 1969). In Australia, the indigenous species of Perkinsiella reaches peak adult populations in March. This species ' ability to transmit virus is unknown .

Physical damage:
- Feeding and the production of sooty moulds will lead to reduced photosynthetic capacity. The feeding will produce lacerations on the leaves with subsequent reddening and desiccation of the ti ssue.

Plant part affected:
-

67
Flower 0 ; Fl1Iit 0 ; Seed 0; Leaf .; Stem 0; Root 0 ; Other 0 DetectionJd iagnosis:
Visual check of plants for adults and nymphs. Sticky traps can be used to monitor adult movement. Sweep netting will also capture adults. Look for symptoms of infestations such as dIY, yellowing leaves with red streaks or spots . Options for response to detection: Offshore: Maintain visual checks for adults and for symptoms of infestation or di sease. Investigate potential natural enemies and resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Investigate the use of parasitoids and predators. Investigate the use of resistant cane varieties. Visual check of crops for adults and symptoms of infestation . Severely infested crops can be isolated and destroyed if vil1ls is detected. Maintain stri ct internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: High, for thi s insect may have the potentia l for vil1ls tran smi ssion (Fiji Disease).
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 02 63913800; Fax. 02 63913899; email: fl etcbm@agIic .nsw .gov.au Mr. E. Phileman, Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Agricultural Protection Di vision , PO Box 2 141 , Boroko, PNG; Ph. 657 321 7405; Fax. 675 32 1 4630
References: FAO/SCP Commission. (1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System Internet, http://PPPIS .fao.org Fennah, R.G. (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabolic state of the host plant. In Williams, I.R., Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89. Szent-Ivany, J.J.H. and Ardley, J.H. (1963). Insects of Saccharum spp. in the TeITitory of Papua and New Guinea. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists XI Congress, 24 September - 5 October, 1962, Reduit, Mauritius, 690 -694.

1
..,
1
..,
...., ...., 'l

68

Species:

Puiv;lIaria iceryi

Author:

(Signoret)

Order:

Hemiptera

Family:

Coccidae

Common Name(s): Pulvinalia scale

Synonym(s):

Saccharipu/villaria icelyi; Lecallium icelyi; Lecaniwn gastera/phe;

Pu/villaria gastera/phe; Pu/villaria /epida; Pu/vinaria e/ollgata

durbanensis; Pu/vinaria e/ollgata; Coccus icervi

Hosts:

Agropyron repens (quack grass); A. schinzii; Brachiaria reptans; Cendlrus ech illatus

(Mossman river grass); Cymbopogon gigallteus (Ce Kala); Cynodoll dacty/on

(Bermuda grass); Digitaria didacty/a (blue couch grass); D. scalarum (AIi·ican couch

grass); D. biformis (couch grass); D. juscescens (couch grass); D. timorensis (couch

grass); E/eusine indica (crowsfoot grass); E. coracana (finger millet); Heteropogon

COlltOrtuS (grass); Hyparrhenia hirta (oolatai grass); Panicum maximum (Guinea

grass); Paspalidium gemillatum (wild millet); Paspa/um commersoni (wild millet); P.

conjugatwn (sour grass); P. panicu/atum (grass); P. urvillei (vassey grass);

Pellnisetum paniceum (wild millet); Pogonatherwn panicum; Rottboellia exa/ta

(Kokoma grass); Setaria barbata (foxtail grass); S. pallide-fusca (foxtail grass);

Sporobo/us indicus (giant PaITamatta grass); Stenotaphrum dimidiatum (St

Augilstinegrass); Sorghum verticilliflorum (wild sorghum); Thysano/aena maxima

.... (tiger grass); Vetiveria zizanoides (vetivergrass)

Distribution:
- Florida, Georgia (USA), Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Afi·ica, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, China, Papua New Guinea Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea (may be doubtful)

Economic Damage: High if severe infestation occurs without parasitism.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology: · Reproduction is pal1henogenetic and males do not exist. There are 3 nymphal instars, all roughly similar in appearance. First instars can be distinguished by 2 long posterior setae that are lost with the first moult. The adult is distinguished by the ovisac. Eggs are retained in the ovisac until they hatch. The first instar or crawler is the only mobile stage and can therefore be considered as the 'infective' or dispersal stage. Later instars are capable of movement, but this is infrequent and is done for reasons of survival rather than dispersal. Once the ovisac has started to form the insect becomes incapable of movement. P. icelyi feed on the photosynthetic tissues of the host plant,
- usually on the underside of the leaf, sometimes on the leaf sheath near the junction with the leaf blade. The insect are always aligned with their long axis parallel with the vascular bund les. They have a short stylet and are phloem feeders, penetrating the vascular bundles. Trials in Reunion have shown that the duration of tbe life cycle from egg lay to initial oviposition ranges from 35-60 days depending on tbe season. The oviposition period starts about a day after the ovisac has been secreted and lasts for

!
69
about 20 days. Once this period is over the female dies. Depending on valious factors a fema le can lay up to 1000 eggs during her lifetime. In Mauritius there is a suite of parasitoids that attack this scale (Williams 1980).
Physical damage: Feeding results in a reduction in growth, premature death of the leaves and chlorosis. The leaf edge will have a yellow stripe. Plants will fail to ratoon. The internal stem will rot. If the infestation is severe the plant will die.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0 ; Leaf .; Stem . ; Root 0 ; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check for adults on the leaves and leaf sheaths. Sticky traps can be used for crawlers. A visual check for the symptoms of infestation - chlorosis, change in leaf co lour and internal rotting of the cane. A yellow stripe will often occur on the edge of the leaf which continues to spread until the whole leaf is yellow and dlY .
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Increased education and awareness of this scale as a pest. Sticky traps can be used to detect the crawlers. Instigate a program to screen for resistance in cane varieties. Investigate the use of natural enemies. Onshore: Investigate the introduction of parasitoids. Inspect crops for adults and symptoms of infestation. Sticky traps can be used to detect the crawlers within the crop. If the infestation is severe, the crop can be quarantined and destroyed. Maintain field hygiene by removing old pieces of cane. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: Medium. Low economic damage to crop unless the infestation is left unchecked and becomes severe.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 65 1 Bundaberg, QLD 4670. Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 0741593383. Dr. P. Gullan, Division of Botany and Zoo logy, The Australian University, CanbelTa, ACT 0200; Ph. 02 6249 3028; Fax. 02 6249 5573; emai l: Penny.Gullan@anu.edu.au
References:
Tao, c.c., Wong, c., and Chang, Y. (1983). Monograph of Coccidae of Taiwan,
Republic of China (Homoptera: Coccoidea). Journal Taiwan Museum, 36:57-107 . Williams, J.R. (1980). The hiology of soft scale insect Pulvinaria iwyi (Sign.).
Proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists XVII Congress, I-II February 1980, Manila, Philippines, 1843 -1 854. Williams, D.J. (1 982). Pulvinaria icelyi (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and its allies on sugarcane and other grasses Bull. of Entomological Research, 72:111-7.

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Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Sesamia arfaki Bethune-Baker Lepidoptera Noctuidae Pink stem borer

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

Distribution: Papua New Guinea
Nearest known location to Australia:

Papua New Guinea

Economic Damage: High. This insect may have the same potential for damage as Sesamia grisescens which is a major constraint on sugar cane production in PNG.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology:
L There has been little work done on S. Glfaki, but it is believed that the larvae behave
in a similar manner to that of S. inferens (Kuniata 1994) which is described here. S. illferens causes dead-hearts in young plants and dead leaf sheaths in mature plants. The larvae are purple or pink on the dorsal side and white on the ventral side and can be distinguished from pyralid larvae by the presence of dark spiracles. The eggs are laid in 1-5 rows within the leaf sheath with 30-100 eggs per batch. Incubation takes around 7 days. Larvae start by feeding on the leaf sheatb and then tunnel into the stem. The growing tip may be destroyed by the gregarious feeding of the larvae in the same internode. When the available food has been consumed the larvae disperse to nearby plants. Development takes about 3-4 weeks. The mature larva makes an exit hole in the stem before moving back up the tunnel to pupate. The tunnel is blocked with a plug of frass. The adults are short lived, therefore, mating and oviposition occur shortly after emergence (Kuniata 1994). They are strong fliers and have been known to travel up to 50 km. Dispersal usually occurs in the first 6 days after emergence while the ovaries are developing. There is a pre-ovipositional period of 2 or 3 days.

Physical damage: The larval damage results in the production of dead hearts and the destmction of upper stalks especially of young plants. The leaf sheaths will die from the feeding larvae.

Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fmit 0 ; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem .; Root 0; Other 0

Detection/diagnosis: Visual check for symptoms of infestation - dead hearts, bored stalks and dead leaf sheaths, especially on the upper 3 internodes. Sticky traps can be used to monitor the

71
presence and spread of adults. Options for response to detection:
Offshore: Increased education and awareness of the pest and its potential for damage. Visual check of plant material leaving the islands and PNG. Investigate the use of natural enemies and diseases. Provide a screening system to determine resistant cane varieties. Onshore: Visual check at points of entry of all plant material. This includes pleasure as well as commercial craft. Visual check of crops for early damage. Use of pheromones traps as a monitoring system, trapping out or mating dismption. Consider early planting (Febmary to September) to protect young plants. Investigate the use of natural enemies and an integrated management system Infested crops can be quarantined and destroyed if thought necessary. Some use has been made of insecticides such as granular carbofuran (Furadan) however this is not advised as an alternative to the use of natural enemies. Early harvesting can minimise spread and roguing infested stalks should remove a large number of young larvae. Green cane harvest ing has also proved effective in controlling this pest. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: Medium-High. There is no insect that does this type of damage to sugarcane in Au stralia .
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chand ler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 074056 1255; Fax 07 40562405 .
References: Cheng, W.Y. (1994). Sugar cane stem borers of Taiwan. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Albca, May 30June 3, 1994,97-106. FAO/SCP Commission. (1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System Internet, http: //PPPIS .fao.org . Kuniata, L.S. (1994). Pest status, biology and effective control measures of sugar ca ne stalk borers in the Australian, Indonesian and Pacific Island sugar cane grow ing regions. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, May 30-June 3, 1994, 83-96.

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72

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Au/acaspis tegalellsis (Zehntner) Hemiptera Diaspididae White scale of sugar cane; Sugarcane scale Chionaspis tegalensis

Hosts:
Saccharum spp.(sugarcane); Erianthus arundinaceus (erianthus)

Distribution: Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Torres Strait Islands
Nearest known location to Australia: Thursday Island
- Economic Damage: Medium The photosynthetic capacity of the plant can be affected, thereby reducing yield and quality of sugar. Sooty moulds can also have this effect.

Entry potential: Medium-High

.... Colonisation potential: High

Spread Potential: Medium

Biology: The scales are found on the stem underneath the leaf sheaths of the older pali of the plant. If overcrowding occurs the leaf is also colonised, but fully elongated internodes are needed for successful development. The egg is laid underneath the scale where incubation and hatching occur. The first instar is referred to as the crawler stage and it leaves the parent scale and wanders around the plant before inserting its stylet. It is this crawler stage, which last for about 10 days, that is easily spread by wind. After it has inserted its stylet it becomes sedentary and forms a scale (females only). The adult male is apterous (wingless) and mates as soon as it has emerged. It does not feed as it has no mouth parts. Females go through 2 instar stages before becoming an adult while the males undergo 4 instars - the last 2 being a prepupal and pupal stage. The females take about 27 days to complete development
.... anq the males require 22 days. The life cycle take about 3-3.5 weeks in summer and 7 weeks in winter (in Mauritius). Eggs are not laid unless the female has been mated. The preoviposition stage is about 15 days. She will lay up to 800 eggs (though the number is usually less than this) over a period of 14 weeks. The female will lay continuously until her egg capacity is depleted and she will then die. There can be as many as 8 generations per year. The drier a locality, the more likely cane will be attacked. Severe infestations have occun'ed when annual rainfall is less than 1400 mm (Mauritius). The rate of increase in populations rises with temperature and declines during cool, damp weather (Williams 1970; Greathead 1994).
... Physical damage: Leaves become discoloured and desiccated due to feeding. Chlorotic spots or blotches are caused by the feeding insects along the leaf blade. Stems become desiccated or rot due to the removal of the wax layer. Reduced yields of sucrose are a result of heavy infestation. Reduced bud germination and sett growth can result

73
fi'om the presence of the scale.
Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0 ; Seed 0; Leaf .; Stem .; Root 0; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Do a visual check of cane for infestation. The scale are clearly visible on the stem under the leaf sheath and on the leaves.
Options for response to detection: Onshore: Visually inspect plant material. Plant material being exported should be heat treated. Maintain good field hygiene - remove old trash, water shoots and old cane pieces. Malathion or white oil can be used on infested plants if the level of parasitism is low. Onshore: Conduct a visual check of plant material at points of entry. Heat treat any cane material coming into the countIy. Investigate the use of natural enemies. Severely infested cane field s can be quarantined and destroyed. Malathion and white oil can be used though this may be impractical with mature crops and counterproductive if the level of parasitism is high. Maintain a high level of field hygiene remove water shoots, trash and old cane pieces. Maintain strict internal quarantine practices.
Estimated risk: Medium Infested cane could be easily transp0I1ed by commercial or pleasure craft throughout the islands to the north of Australia. Sugarcane has traditionally been used as a source of liquid and carbohydrate.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Gullan, Division of Botany and Zoology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200; Ph. 02 6249 3028; Fax. 02 6249 5573; email: Penny.Gullan@anu.edu.au Dr. M. Carver, CSIRO Entomology, PO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 260 I; Ph. 02 62464284; Fax. 02 6246 4000; email: malyc@ento.csiro.au
References: Greathead, DJ. (1980). Recent studies on white scale of sugarcane Aulacaspis tegalensis Zebut. (Hem: Diaspididae) Entomology Newsletter, International Society of Sugarcane Technologists. No. 8:9-12. Kalshoven, L.G.E. (1981). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. P.T. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta. Williams, J.R. (1970). Studies on the biology, ecology and economic importance of the sugar-cane scale insect, Aulacaspis tegalensis (Zhnt.) (Diaspididae), in Mauritius. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 60:61-95.

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74

Species:

Chilo partel/us

Author:

Swinhoe

Order:

Lepidoptera

Family:

Pyralidae

L Common Name(s): Durra stalk borer; Durra stem borer; Pink borer; Sorghum stem borer; Spotted sorghum stem borer; Spotted stalk borer; Spotted

stem borer

Synonym(s):

Argyia lutulentalis; Chilo zonellus; Crambus zonellus

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane) ; Coix laClyma-jobi (Job's tears); Vigna unguiculata (cowpea); grasses; O,yza sativa (rice); millet; Pennisetum glauculll (bulrush millet); Sorghum bicolor (sorghum)

Distribution: Yemen, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, South Afiica, Comoros, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia
Nearest known location to Australia: Indonesia

Economic Damage: Medium. There are no similar pests in Australia so the damage to crops, yield and quality could be high . This insect has been described as a minor pest of sugarcane, but it is a serious pest on maize and sorghum.

Entry potential: High Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology: There is little information on the life cycle of this insect on sugarcane, however there are descriptions in relation to sorghum and maize. Females use a pheromone to attract the males. Scaly eggs are deposited on the leaf blades and hatch about 2-9 days later depending on the host, temperature and humidity. The emerging larvae
.... spend some time wandering before they enter the whorls at the top of the plant. Young plants are the prefen'ed host for this species. A few days are spent feeding on the surface of the leaves before they enter the growing stem of the plant. The feeding and tunnelling results in the production of dead hearts. If mature plants are infested the lalvae bore into the leaf sheaths. After the third moult the larvae bore into the stem and start tunnelling. The mature larvae pupate within the plant tissue. The lalval period lasts from 15-41 days and the pupal stage last 2-12 days. A complete generation takes 4-7 weeks under summer conditions in India. During the winter the pupa undergo diapause and under these conditions a generation may take 132-233 days to complete. The adult moths live for 1-7 days. There are various methods of control being used against this pests, such as biological control (predators and parasitoids), chemical control, the use of resistant varieties, field hygiene, trap crops and changing the sowing date (Neupane 1990). These techniques have been reasonably successful in reducingC. partellus numbers. Physical damage: The leaves become dlY and withered where they are fed upon by the first instar larvae. Leaves in the whorls are most affected. Later instars feed on the growing

75
stems resulting in dead hearts. The 3rd in stars bore into the stem.
Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0 ; Leaf .; Stem . ; Root 0 ; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual inspection of the top of the plant - check for dry leaf sheaths and leaves and the presence of dead heal1s. The top stems will be damaged due to boring.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor possible alternative hosts and sugarcane for physical symptoms of infestation. Monitor the presence of adults with pheromone traps. Develop integrated management systems. Educate the public about this pest and its importance. Investigate the possibilities of resistant cane varieties and natural enemIes. Onshol'e: At points of entry, check all plant material that may be a host, for the presence oflarvae. Monitor crops with pheromone traps which could also be used as a mating disruption technique. Quarantine infested crops and destroy if necessary. Investigate the introduction of parasitoids and predators. Chemical intervention would be difficult in mature crops and would be unlikely. Maintain strict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: Medium-High. The effects on sugarcane in this country are unknown.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Mr. L. Kuniata, Ramu Sugar Ltd., PO Box 2183, Lae, Papua New Guinea. Mr K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD; Ph. 07 4056 1255; Fax 07 40562405 .
References: Han'is, K.M. (1990). Bioecology of Chilo species. Insect Science and its Application, 11:467-77. NAQS (1991). A Repol1 for the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy. Targeted Exotic Pests. Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy, 49 pp. Neupane, F.P. (1990). Status and control of Chilo spp. on cereal crops in Southern Asia. Insect Science and its Application, 11 :501-34. Neupane, F.P., Coppel, H.c., and Chapman, R.K. (1985). Bionomics of the maize borer, Chilo pm'tel/us (Swinhoe), in Nepal. Insect Science and its Application, 6:547-53.

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....

Species: Author:

Leucopholis rorida (Fabricius)

Order:

Coleoptera

Family:

Scarabaeidae

Common Name(s): White grub; Canegrub

Synonym(s):

Leucopholis I'Orida var. gracilis; Melolontha I'Orida

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Manihot esculenta (cassava); grasses

Distribution: Indonesia
Nearest known location to Australia:

Java

Economic Damage: Mediwn Ir is similar to Australian white grub species. Spread could be facilitated by confusion with local species of canegrubs.

Entry potential: Low .Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Low

Biology: This insect bas been considered a serious pest on cassava and coffee plants but has been reponed on sugarcane in Indonesia (Charernsom and Suasa-ard 1994). Newly emerged adults remain inactive in the soil for some time. They leave the soil after the rainy season has stal1ed. The females aggregate on the ground and produce a pheromone to attract flying males. After mating the adults return to the soil and after about 8 days the females stal1s to lay eggs, singly, at a depth of 30-1 00 cm below the soil surface. An average of 12 eggs are laid over a three day period by each female. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of 3-4 weeks. There are three larval instars and pupation occurs in pupal cells within the soil. The larvae feed on the roots of the plants causing them to wilt. The three larval instars last for about 10 months before a
.... pre-pupal stage begins. This stage lasts 10-30 days and the pupal stage takes about
4-5 weeks. The total generation time is approximately I year (Kalshoven 198 1; Jongeleen aDd Mahrub 1979).

Physical damage: The root s of thc plant are chewed and the underground stems are gouged. Symptom~ of infestation include tip and stool die back and yellowing leaves. Severely in fested plants can be easily blown over.

Plant part affected: Flower 0 ; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem 0 ; Root .; Other 0

De t ectionld i a g n osis: Visual check of roots and soil for larvae in summer and autumn. Light traps can be
L.. used to monitor adults. Visual check during summer and autumn for plant damage stools falling over, tip and stool die back.
Options for response to detection:

77
Offshore: Traps (light, sticky and pheromone) can be used to monitor adults. Survey possible infestation sites for evidence of the larvae in tbe soil and around the roots. Conduct visual checks of sugarcane for symptoms of infestation. Knockdown insect icides and ploughing out can be done if commercial cane fields become infested. Increase public awareness of the pest. Invest igate the use resistant cane varieties and look for natural enemies. Onshore: Increased visual inspection of plant material at points of ently. Confiscate or heat treat all soil being transpol1ed. Increase trapping around sites of infestation. Monitor spread by sampling the soil around roots for larvae and pupae. The use of knockdown insecticides (such as Mocap or Rugby) would be considered for isolated infestations. Consider the possibility of setting a quarantine area around the infestation site. Plough out infested fields . Increase public awareness of the pest. Investigate the use of natural enemies that could be imported. Investigate the use of pheromones to be used in trapping out, monitoling and confusion techniques. Maintain snict internal quarantine procedures.
Estimated risk: Low risk for introduction because it would need to enter the countly in soi l. High economic risk should it become established. Potential for damage is high especially as it could be confused with local species ofLepidiola.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 0 7 4 1 5 9 3 3 83.
References: Charernsom, K. and Suasa-ard, D.W. (1994). Pest status, Biology and control measures for soil pests of sugar cane in South East Asia. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Afiica, May 30-June 3, 1994,53 -60. Jongeleen, F.J.J. and Mahrub, E. (1979). The biology of two species of noxious Scarabaeidae from Indonesia. Zeitschrift ~r angewandte Entomologie, 87:247-54. Kalshoven, L.G.E. (1981). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. P.T. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta.

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Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Eoeurysa jlavocapitata Muir Hemiptera Delphacidae Black hopper of sugarcane; Black hopper

Hosts: Sacchanilll officinarum (sugarcane)

Distribution: Bangladesh, China, Taiwan, 'East Indies', Thailand, West Malaysia
Nearest known location to Australia: West Malaysia

Economic Damage: Low

Entry potential: Low Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: Medium

Biology: Both the adults and nymphs remain hidden within the leaf funnel and feed on the sap. The female lays about 150 to 200 eggs in the tissues along the mid-rib of young leaves. The cylindrical eggs hatch in 6-10 days. The tops of the eggs are covered in a waxy material secreted by the female and the area around the eggs develops a characteristic reddish colour. There are between 2 and 10 eggs laid per batch and the total number of eggs laid by a female can be as much as 234 over a 2 week period. The eggs take 8- 11 days to hatch and there are 5 nymphal instars. AJ; the nymphs become older they change in colour fi·om milky white through light brown to yellow and light black (fifth instar). The total nymphal period is between 16 and 24 days and the total life cycle is about 30-40 days (ChatteIjee 1972; ChatteIjee and Choudhuri 1979). The population can build up without being noticed as both the adults and nymphs remain in the young leaf sheaths. Adults can disperse to other plants by shorts flights. Peak populations (India) are from September to December, just plior to harvest (Februmy). With the continuous feeding and oviposition, red streaks dev.elop in and around the injured tissue resulting in large lesions. Excreted honey dew increases the build-up of sooty moulds which, in combination with the feeding, interferes with the photosynthesis and transpiration of the plant (ChatteIjee and Choudhuri 1979). Populations dwindle with the harvesting of the cane but with the increase of new growth, the population starts to rise again. Ratoon crops appeared to be the worst affected by infestation as the insects are active all year.

Physical damage: The leaves become yellow and dlY due to the feeding of this insect. Red streaks appear around the egg laying site. Disruption of the photosynthetic capacity of the plant occurs through feeding and the establishment of sooty moulds on the excreted honeydew. This leads to a reduction in yield and sugar quality.

Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf .; Stem 0; Root 0; Other 0

79
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check of plants and crop for adults and nymphs, especially in the whorls and leaf sheaths. Infested plants will be yellow and the leafs will have red streaks at the feedin g sites.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Monitor the insects' dispersal by visual checks of plant material and crops. Sticky traps may be of some use within the crop to monitor the adult population. Educate the local population about the hazards of using the tops of the cane as a means of propagation. Onshore: Monitor crops visually for symptoms of infestation and with sticky traps for adu lts. Chemical control would be impractical and expensive. Maintain shict intemal quarantine procedures and destroy severely infested crops.
Estimated risk: Low
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Informat ion: Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd., Orange NSW 2800; Ph. 026391 3800; Fax. 026391 3899; email: fletchm@agric.nsw.gov.au
References: Chatteljee, P.B. (1971). Occurrence of Eoeurysa jlavocapitata Muir (Fam. Delphacidae) on sugarcane in India. Indian Journal of Entomology, 33 :220. Chatteljee, P.B. and ChoudhUli, D.K. (1979). Biology of Eoeurysajlavocapitata - a delphacid insect pest on sugarcane in India. Entomon, 4:263-7. Eastwood, D. (1990). Ramu stunt disease. Development and consequences at Ramu Sugar Ltd. Sugar Cane, 1990(2): 15-9. Fennab, R.G. (1969). Damage to sugar cane by Fulgoroidea and related insects in relation to the metabolic state of tbe bost plant. In Williams, J.R., Metcalfe, J.R., Mungomery, R.W., Mathes, R. (editors). Pests of Sugar Cane. Elsevier Publisbing Company, Amsterdam, 368-89.

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Species:

RltyncllOpltortls ferrugineus

Author:

(Olivier)

Order:

Coleoptera

.... Family:

Curculionidae

Common Name(s): Red weevil; Coconut weevil; Red palm weevil; Red-striped palm

weevil; Snout weevil

.... Hosts:

Cocos nucifera (coconut palm); Metroxylon spp. (sago palm); Elaeis guineensis (oil

palm); Phoenix dactylifera (date palm)

Distribution: South America, Central Amelica, India, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
- Nearest known location to Australia: Papua New Guinea Economic Damage: Low. This weevil is primalily a pest of palms and damage to sugarcane is low.

Entry potential: Medium

- Colonisation potential:

Medium

Spread Potential: High

Biology: The adult weevil is moderately large with a prominent snout and reddish brown in colour. The larvae are yellowish-white, legless with a reddish head capsule. The adults are strong fliers and are most active during the early morning. They are attracted to and prefer damaged parts of palm The female oviposits in soft tissues of the crown, leaf scars, wounds or the exposed rootlets of shallow planted palms. The female can lay up to 1000 eggs over a period of 5-8 weeks. Kalshoven (1981) states that the maximum egg production is 530. The larvae hatch in 3 days and immediately start to feed. The larvae feed towards the heart of the palm and a number of larvae
.... can form a cavity in the centre of the plant. The structural weakness caused by the feeding usually kills the plant rather than the direct feeding. However, young plants cat:! be killed if the growing tip is eaten. The larval stage is between 45-60 days and the pupal stage is 11-18 days . The total life span is approximately 4 months (Kalshoven 1981; NAQS 1991). In sugarcane, the life cycle of this insect is probably similar, but while it has been rep0l1ed that this weevil does attack and damage sugarcane there is no ' hard ' literature in this area.

Physical damage: In sugarcane, the roots and underground stem are destroyed. In palms, the weevil larvae bore into the trunk at the crown leading to the collapse of the crown and death of the plant. In young palms they can be found within the middle and base of the trunk. Structural damage within the plant can cause the plant to fall over. Young plants can be killed outright by larval feeding .

L. Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem .; Root . ; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis:

81
Some possibilities exist for the use of attracting baited traps to assist in early detection. Traps made from bundles of sugarcane wrapped in plastic are also attractive to both sexes. Visual checks of plant material for larvae and symptoms of infestation. The adults may respond to pheromone mixtures developed for sugarcane weevi I borer. Options for response to detection: Offshore: Continued visual checks of plant material that is brought Ii'om PNG. Trapping and prevention of oviposition sites in likely hosts such as palms. Investigate any potential natural enemies. Onshore: Instigate a trapping and monitoring program. If detected in the Torres Strait, monitoring would be increased but eradication would not be considered. If detected on the mainland monitoring would be increased but eradication would be difficult and probably not cost effective. Insecticides used for the control of .sugarcane weevil bore could be considered and investigated further. Investigate the use of aggregation pheromones.
Estimated risk: Low to Medium. This species could be brought in on sugarcane stalks. Spread is fa cilitated tbrougb the movement of palms.
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. 1. Robertson, BSES, Tully, QLD 4854; Pb. 07 4068 1488; Fax. 07 4068 1907
References: Charernsom, K. and Suasa-ard, D.W. (1994). Pest status, biology and control measures for soil pests of sugar cane in Soutb East Asia. Proceedings of the Second Sugar Cane Entomology Workshop, Mount Edgecombe, South Afiica, May· 30June 3, 1994,53 -60. Kalsboven, L.G.E. (1981 ). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. P.T. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta. NAQS. (1991). A Report for the NOlihern Australian Quarantine Strategy. Targetted Exotic Pests. Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy, 49 pp.

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82

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s): Synonym(s):

Scapafles australis (Boisduval) Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Black beetle; Rhinoceros beetle; New Guinea rhinoceros beetle O,yctes australis; O,yctes mena/cas; Scapanes palilus; Scapanes australis australis

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Cocos nucifera (coconut palm); Musa paradisiaca (banana); palms

Distribution: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (Bismark Islands), Solomon Islands
Nearest known location to Australia: eastern Papua New Guinea; Ilian Jaya

Economic Damage: Low. There may be a decrease in yield due to the damage to the crown. This insect
.... may pose more of a threat to newly planted cane fields .

Entry potential: Medium

Colonisation potential:

Medium-high Spread Potential:

Low-Medium

Biology: Little is known about the life cycle of this beetle however it is thought to be similar to that of S. australis grossepunctalus. The information given here is based on
- laboratOlY studies and some field observations in palm plantations. The adults are black and large (around 6 cm long). The males have a central hom on the head and a pair of horns on the p(othorax. Females have a small bifurcated hom on the head. There is a pre-oviposition peliod of approximately 69 days and a laying peliod of around 48 days. Females produce an average of30 eggs and lays her eggs in the soil, probably near rotting logs or vegetation. The eggs are laid singly and each one is enclosed in a smooth-walled cavity in the soil. The female does not lay the eggs close to each other. The incubation period is about 32 days (range of 28-38 days) . The larval period lasts about 197-356 days (average of 270 days) and consists of 3 insiars. The larvae feed on rotting material at the interface between the soil and a stump or log. The 3rd larval instar makes an earthen cell before entering a pre-pupal stage which lasts from 15-30 day (average of21 days). The pupal stage lasts 33-55 days (average of 45 days). The life cycle, from egg to adult, takes 273-479 days (average of368 days) to complete. The adults have a relatively long life - about 100 days. The adults will feed by boring into crowns and trunks of palms and in the pseudostems of banana. Damage is most severe to young palms and they are often killed. It appears that the adults come from the surrounding forest to attack newly planted palms and is therefore a transitory pest. The adults are not attracted to light and there does not appear to be any chemical attractant used by either sex (FAO/SPC 1997).
Physical damage:

83
In sugarcane, the adult bores into the top of the plant. In palms, the adult bores into the host's crown. The damage is not often extensive but acts as a site for secondary pests such as Rhynchophorus spp. and diseases. Young palms from the age of 18 months to 5 years are usually attacked and as a result the plant is deformed or killed.
Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0 ; Leaf 0 ; Stem .; Root 0 ; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check for symptoms of attack. Sticky traps near the edges of new plantings may be helpful. Adults are not attracted to light.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Increased visual checks for adults and damage to plants such as palms and sugarcane. Reduce litter and place sticky traps around the edge of new plantings. Onshore: Check all plant material such as palms for physical damage or for adults and larvae. Use sticky traps to detect adults. The adult is not attracted to light and there is no artificial attractants. Young palms can be treated with an application of lindane granu les or BHC mixed with sawdust at intervals over the first 3-4 years gave adequate control.
Estimated risk: Low
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651, Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 0741593228; Fax. 0741593383. Mr. K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD 4865; Ph. 074056 1255; Fax. 0740562405.
References: FAO/SCP Commission. (1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System Internet, http://PPPIS.fao.org Kalshoven, L.G.E. (1981). Pests of Crops in Indonesia. p.r. Itchitar Baru-Van Hoeve, Jakarta. Morin, JP. (1991). The significance of coconut pests in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands: O'yctes, Scapanes, Rhynchophorus and Sexava . Study mission to Vanuatu fi"om 15 to 25/1 0/90 and Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands from 22/02 to 28/03/91. RepOit of Study Mission Institut de Recherches pour les Huiles et Oleagineux, 1-39. NAQS. (1991). A Report for the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy. Targeted Exotic Pests. Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy, 49 pp.

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84

Species: Author: Order: Family: Common Name(s):

Scapalles allstralis grossep"llctallls Sternberg Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Black beetle; Rhinoceros beetle; New Guinea rhinoceros beetle

Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane); Cocos lIuci/era (coconut palm); Musa paradisiaca (banana); palms

Distribution: Papua New Guinea (New Britain, New Ireland), Solomon Islands
Nearest known location to Australia: eastern Papua New Guinea; Irian Jaya

Economic Damage: Low . There may be a decrease in yield due to the damage to the crown. This insect may pose more of a threat to newly planted cane field s.

Entry potential: Medium

Colonisation potential:

Medium-high Spread Potential:

Medium

- Biology: The information given here is based on laboratory studies and some field observations
- in palm plantations. The adults are black and large (around 6 cm long). The males have a central horn on the head and a pair of horns on the prothorax. Females have a small bifurcated horn on the head. There is a pre-oviposition period of approximately 69 days and a laying period of around 48 days. Females produce an average of 30 eggs and lays her eggs in the soi~ probably near rotting logs or vegetation. The eggs are laid singly and each one is enclosed in a smooth-walled cavity in the soil. The female does not lay the eggs close to each other. The incubation period is about 32 days (range of 28-38 days) . The larval period lasts about 197-356 days (average of 270 days) and consists of 3 instars. The larvae feed on rotting material at the interface between the soil and a stump or log. The 3rd larval instar makes an earthen cell before entering a pre-pupal stage which lasts from 15-30 day (average of 21 days). The pupal stage lasts 33-55 days (average of 45 days). The life cycle, from
- egg to adult , takes 273-479 days (average of 368 days) to complete. The adults have a relatively long life - about 100 days. The adults will feed by bOling into crowns and trunks of palms and in the pseudosterns of banana. Damage is most severe to young palms and they are often killed. It appears that the adults come from the surrounding forest to attack newly planted palms and is therefore a transitOlY pest. The adults are not attracted to light and there does not appear to be any chemical attractant used by either sex (FAO/SPC 1997).

Physical damage: In sugarcane, the adult bores into the top of the plant. In palms, the adult bores into the host's crown. The damage is not often extensive but acts as a site for secondalY pests such as RhYllchophorus spp. and diseases. Young palms from the age of 18 months to 5 years are usually attacked and as a result the plant is deformed or killed.

85
Plant part affected: Flower 0; Fruit 0; Seed 0; Leaf 0; Stem .; Root 0; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check for symptoms of attack. Sticky traps near the edges of new plantings may be helpful. Adults are not attracted to light.
Option for response to detection: Offshore: Increased visual checks for adults and damage to plants such as palms and sugarcane. Reduce litter and place sticky traps around the edge of new plantings. Onshore: Check all plant material such as palms for physical damage or for adults and larvae. Use sticky traps to detect adults. The adult is not attracted to light and there is no artificial attractants. Young palms can be treated with an application of lindane granules or BHC mixed with sawdust at intervals over the first 3-4 years gave adequate control.
Estimated risk: Low
Quarantine status: Quarantinable
Further Information: Dr. P. Allsopp, BSES, PO Box 651 , Bundaberg, QLD 4670; Ph. 07 4159 3228; Fax. 0741593383. Mr. K. Chandler, BSES, PO Box 122, Gordonvale, QLD 4865; Ph. 074056 1255; Fax. 07 4056 2405.
References: Bedford, G.O. (1974). Descriptions of the larvae of some rhinoceros beetles (Col., Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae) associated with coconut palms in New Guinea. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 63:445-72. FAO/SCP Commission. (1997). Pacific Plant Protection Information System Internet, http: //PPPIS .fao.org NAQS. (1991). A Report for the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy. Targetted Exotic Pests. Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy, 49 pp.

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86

Species: Author: Order: Family: Synonym(s):

Tropidocepha[a serendiba Melichar Hemiptera Delphacidae Tropidecephala serendiba; Orchesma serendiba

- Hosts: Saccharum spp. (sugarcane)

Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, West Malaysia
Nearest known location to Australia:

West Mala%ia

Economic Damage: Low if considering direct damage to the crop but high if the insect is capable of transmitting plant diseases.

Entry potential: Low Colonisation potential:

High

Spread Potential: High

Biology: There is little available literature on this insect. It is known to occur and reach outbreak proportions in Sli Lanka and Malaysia. However, it is nonnally controlled by its natural enemies (Rajendra 1979). Its ability to transmit viruses is unknown .

Physical damage: This sap sucker decreases the photosynthetic capacity of the plant due to feeding and to the production of sooty moulds on the excreted honeydew. This will result in a decrease in yield and quality. Leaves become desiccated and withered with continued feeding.

Plant part affected:
.... Flower 0: Fruit 0 ; Seed 0 ; Leaf .; Stem 0 ; Root 0 ; Other 0
Detection/diagnosis: Visual check for adults and for symptoms of infestation such as dry and withered leaves. Sticky traps may detect the movement of adu lts.
Options for response to detection: Offshore: Increased visual checks of plant material at points of exit. Screen cane varieties for possible resistance. Investigate potential natural enemies and diseases. Onshore: Visual checks at points of entry for adults and nymphs on plant material. Sticky traps in or near crops to detect adults. Unless this insect is a vector of plant disease, chemical intervention would be unlikely.

Estimated risk: Low
Quarantine status: Quarantinable

Further Information:

87
Dr. M. Fletcher, Agricultural and Veterinary Research Centre, Forest Rd. , Orange, NSW 2800; Ph. 02 6391 3800; Fax. 026391 3899; email: fletchm@agric.nsw .gov.au
References: Fennah, R.G. (1973). Homoptera: Fulgoroidea Delphacidae fi'om Ceylon. Entomologica Scandinavica Supplementum, No.4:79-136. Lim, G.T. and Pan, Y.c. (1981). Seasonal occurrence of sugarcane leaf-hoppers and plant-hoppers in Perak, Malaysia. Entomology Newsletter, International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, No.1 0:7. Rajendra, A. (1979). Insect pests attacking sugarcane in Sri Lanka and the parasites and predators recorded on them. Ceylon Journal of Science, Biological Sciences, 13:29-35 .

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