Effect of infestation by the purple- lined borer, chilo agamemnon blezynski on chemical composition of sugarcane varieties [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The purple-lined borer (PLB), Chilo agamemnon Blezynski (Pyralidae, Lepidoptera) is the most destructive and potentially chronic species that attacks sugarcane. It is a pest on graminaceous crops in tropical and subtropical regions and mainly attacks com, sugarcane and rice (El-Sherif, 1962). Fletcher (1910) was the first to record it in Egypt under the synonym C. simplex Butl. Willcocks (1925) believed that Chilo sp. had been imported to Egypt in some sugarcane setts or straw packings from Japan. Borer infestation causes reduction in cane weight due to internodes damage. in addition larval tunnel in the cane cause stalk breakage and lodging. Moreover, the larval entrance and moth holes offer entry points for red rot (Reagan and Flynn, 1985). Damage of this type of pathogens severly depends on the incidence of these pests, as well as on varietal susceptibility. The borer infestation and accompanied diseases complex cause serious deterioration in the quality and quantity of juice extract for sugar production and hence drastic threat to the sugar industry. Numerous reports in the literature on observed differences among sugarcane varieties injury by stalk borer, whereas, screening for new resistant varieties is of paramount importance to both cane grower and industry. The sugarcane resistance to stalk borers my be due to the plant characters unfavorable for establishment of borers in the plant, which inhibit or render borer development (Mathes and Charpentier 1969). The present study was initiated to elucidate the relationship between chemical composition of six new promising sugarcane varieties and infestation by the purple-lined borer (PLB). Also, to asses the changes in chemical juice quality associated with various noticeable sign of infestation.

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