Field Assessment and Identification of Sugar-cane Weevil Borer, Rhabdoscelus Obscurus (coleoptera: Curulionidae), in Fiji

Abstract

Sugarcane is one of the most important crops grown in Fiji contributing much to the country's socioeconomic success. It was brought to Fiji by the early voyages during the European colonization. The sugar industry in Fiji not only provides revenue but is also a source of income for most people in the Western division of the country. Sugarcane is attacked by a wide range of insects and diseases resulting in significant damage in all stages and parts of the crop. One of the major pest of sugarcane is the cane weevil borer, Rhabdoscelus obscurus (Coleoptera: Curulionidae). The larva of this beetle causes most of the economic damage by infesting the soft tissues within the internodes of the cane stalk which results in physiological changes thus decreasing sugar content and quality. This loss in biomass and sugar content necessitates the need for control and subsequent eradication of the pest. This review reports the method of identifying cane weevil borer (CWB) in sugarcane in Fiji. Visible scars, cracks and tunnels are evidence of the presence of CWB and sugarcane borer damage is estimated by determining the percentage loss in weight and height caused during the annual harvesting survey. Monitoring and accurate identification of the pest is important for effective control.