Sugarcane grubs in the Lautoka and Rarawai Mill areas, Fiji

Sugarcane grubs (larvae of Scarabaeidae) have been long-standing but non-significant pests in the Fijian sugar industry with limited research done in the past, the last being nearly a century ago. A preliminary survey was conducted in the two mill regions in Fiji, Lautoka and Rarawai, to investigate the incidence of the pest. Fifteen farms were randomly selected from every sugar- producing district in the larger island of Fiji (Viti Levu). Only a few farms had significant infestations. Species encountered were the melolonthines Xenotrogus subnitida (Arrow) and X. vestita (Arrow) and the ruteline Adoretus versutus Harold. Key words Sugarcane grubs, infestation, survey, Lautoka, Rarawai, Fiji