IN SEARCH OF VARIETAL RESISTANCE TO SUGARCANE MOTH BORERS IN INDONESIA

DAMAGE LEVELS caused by Chilo auricilius, Chilo sacchariphagus and Scirpophaga excerptalis were examined in 931 sugarcane farms across Java, Indonesia. Out of 39 varieties used in Java, only the main 7 commercial varieties were studied. Varieties were ranked according to levels of borer damage expressed as either dead hearts, leaf damage or bored internodes. No patterns were clear for either dead heart, leaf damage or internode damage symptoms caused by C. auricilius. For C. sacchariphagus, Kidang Kencana had the highest mean dead heart and leaf damage and PS951 sustained highest bored internode damage, while PSJT941 showed lowest internode damage. For S. excerptalis, variety PS951 showed the highest dead heart symptoms and PSJT941 suffered the least damage, while PS851 had significantly the lowest leaf damage symptoms. This study will serve as a basis to identify candidate varieties for borer resistance in future breeding programs. This can be done via identifying plant traits that enhance borer tolerance ability in commercial varieties.