description Sugarcane borer Overview
The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis, is a crambid moth whose larva bores into the stalks of sugarcane. The adult is a yellowish or yellowish-brown, nocturnal moth with narrow brown lines on the forewings, while the larvae are the damaging stage: they can weaken or kill young and mature cane, reduce juice extraction and sucrose yield, and make seed cane vulnerable to fungal infection. The species also feeds on corn, rice, sorghum, and other grasses.
help Sugarcane borer FAQ
What is the sugarcane borer?
The sugarcane borer is the crambid moth Diatraea saccharalis. Its larvae bore into sugarcane stalks and cause the main agricultural damage.
Which life stage damages sugarcane?
The larval stage is the damaging stage because the caterpillars tunnel inside the stalk. This internal feeding can weaken or kill young plants and reduce the strength of mature stems.
What does the adult sugarcane borer look like?
The adult is a yellowish or yellowish-brown nocturnal moth with narrow brown lines on its forewings. The adult moth is less damaging to crops than the stem-boring larva.
Why is Diatraea saccharalis important to sugarcane growers?
Its larvae tunnel through sugarcane stalks, where the injury can weaken plants and interfere with healthy growth. The species is therefore treated as an agricultural pest rather than simply a harmless moth.
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