Comparative analysis of termite resistance amid 15 commercial sugarcane varieties in Sri Lanka: Focus on early growth stages

Termites being one of the major pests that attack sugarcane plants, cause significant yield losses by feeding on the plant roots and causing plant death or stunting, resulting in reduced biomass and sugar yield. Developing sugarcane varieties with natural resistance to termites is crucial in mitigating these losses. Study was conducted with selected 15 commercial varieties to determine the potential of the commercial sugarcane varieties in Sri Lanka to resist termite infection during the early growth stages. Selected 15 varieties were clearly clustered in to two groups which are associated with less and higher levels of termite damages. Among the varieties with less levels of termite damages Variety SL 92 5588 and SL 04 624 were with minimum termite damage which were more resistance for termite damage during planting and early germination stage. They will be best suited to plant in termite susceptible areas. Varieties SL 96 128, SLI 121, SL 603, SL 89 1673 and SL 92 4918 were with comparatively less termite damage which were moderately resistance for termite damage. From the varieties with higher termite damages, variety SL 00 95, SL 96 328, SL 00 354 and SL 88 116 with highest termite damage which were more susceptible for termite damage. They will be not suited to plant in termite susceptible areas as dry zone and rain-fed cultivations. Varieties SL 83 06, SL 98 2524, SL 86 13 and SL 92 4997 were with comparatively high termite damage which were moderately susceptible for termite damage. Variety SL 88 16 and SL 00 354 were the highly affected varieties due to the termite infestation with height, leaf length, width and root weight reduction at termite infestation. This information is crucial for selecting resistant varieties and managing infested conditions effectively. Further investigations into the mechanisms of tolerance and resistance could support breeding programs for resilient sugarcane varieties.