Sugarcane stem borer

The sugarcane stem borer (Acigona steniellus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Crambidae. It is recognized as a significant agricultural pest, specifically impacting sugarcane crops in several Asian countries. Due to its internal feeding habits, it poses a difficult challenge for traditional pest control programs in large-scale agriculture.

This insect primarily attacks the sugarcane plant (Saccharum officinarum). The larvae cause damage by boring into the stalks, which disrupts the vascular system and prevents the proper translocation of nutrients and water. This results in significant quantitative and qualitative losses for sugar production companies.

The biological cycle consists of four distinct phases: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are typically laid on the underside of leaves or on the leaf sheath. Once hatched, the larvae move toward the stalk, burrowing inside almost immediately. This internal life cycle protects the larvae from predators and surface-applied chemical treatments.

Damage is characterized by the formation of "dead hearts" in young shoots, where the growing point is destroyed. In mature stalks, the internal tunnels weaken the structure, causing lodging and susceptibility to secondary infections by fungi or bacteria. This damage significantly reduces the purity and sucrose content of the harvested cane.

To effectively manage populations of Acigona steniellus, a range of practices is required:

• destruction of infested crop residues after harvest;
• monitoring adult emergence using pheromone traps;
• utilizing biological control agents such as parasitoid wasps;
• selecting resistant or tolerant sugarcane varieties;
• application of systemic insecticides only when infestation thresholds are exceeded.