1 week Ago By Fiji Sun News
Cane Weevil Borer (CWB), is a sugarcane pest attacking sugarcane at sugarcane belt areas in Fiji. The CWB larva feeds on the inside of the sugarcane stalk that contains juice from which sugar is extracted. Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) head of department crop protection, Geetha Nandagopal said no sugarcane variety was immune to the borer.
Ms Nandagopal is also the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme head of department Crop Protection from India. “CWB infestations predispose the sugarcane to wilt, especially during periods of moisture stress. It kills the sugarcane,” she said.
She said CWB infestations were a serious concern for sugarcane growers. Damage is exacerbated in lodged canes, where the structural integrity is compromised, leading to breakage during heavy winds. “The repercussions of CWB attacks extend beyond much physical damage,” she said.
This wilting can ultimately lead to the death of the canes. “Our studies indicate that CWB infestations can lead to an estimated 10 per cent reduction in yield, along with a concerning two per cent decline in quality. “What is particularly alarming is the fact that no sugarcane variety has been found to be immune to CWB.
’ This reality places growers in a challenging position, as they must continuously adapt their management strategies to mitigate the pest’s effects. “During drought, the association of wilt with CWB is more prevalent,” Ms Nandagopa said. Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.
com.fj.
