Effect of pheromone blend sources and loadings on sugarcane internode borer moth catches in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The internode borer, Chilo sacchariphagus indicus Kapur is an important moth borer on sugarcane in South Asia including India and Sri Lanka. Collaborative studies to evolve locally optimum sex pheromone trapping system for this pest were undertaken in Sri Lanka during 2019-20. The first study comparing alternative pheromone blend sources showed significant differences in moth catches, with the best source consistently attracting twice or more moths than the others. The next study on pheromone lure loadings showed non-significant differences in moth catches, clarifying the adequacy of the widely adopted loading (3 mg/ septa). While these findings could guide in adopting locally optimum blend source and loading for pheromone trapping of the borer moths, the scope of future R&D to further enhance the impact potential of pheromone-based mass trapping of sugarcane internode borer moths in Sri Lanka is indicated.