A study on the biological characteristics of sugarcane internode borer, Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

Studies were taken on the detailed biology of the pest on popular sugarcane variety Co 86032 in order to formulate an effective pest management strategy.The egg period ranged from 3.0 to 6.0 days with an average of 4.36(± 0.10) days.The larval period lasted for 35.0 to 47.0 days with an average of 29.62 (± 0.26) days.Freshly formed pupa was light brown in colour and becoming dark brown after 5.0 to 10 days (average of 7.14 days).The fecundity ranged from 98.0 to 294.0 eggs with an average of 227.6 (± 17.36) eggs.The total life cycle (egg to adult) ranged from 35.0 to 59.0 days with an average of 47.49 (± 0.54) days on sugarcane variety Co 86032 at 30oC± 0.5.