Diversity and Distribution of Existing and Emerging Sugarcane Moth Borers in Uda Walawe and Sevanagala; A Case Study from Sri Lanka

Sugarcane, an important crop in Sri Lanka, faces a myriad of challenges that threaten its productivity and yield. One such challenge arises from the presence of pests, among which the sugarcane moth borers have emerged as significant contributors to yield losses. While two moth borer species have been previously identified in Sri Lanka, recent observations have suggested the presence of a previously undocumented species within this taxonomic group. This research was conducted in Uda Walawe and Sevanagala, with the objective of observation of previously undetected pest damage in sugarcane plantations in these areas. During the survey, it was observed that the lower end of the sugarcane stalk pierced by a borer and the sugarcane plants died due to dead heart. Collected larvae from the field were reared under laboratory conditions and preserved in their adult stage and identification work was carried out. Same time, the moths in the field showing the relevant damage were collected at night using light traps, taken to the laboratory, preserved and identified. Among them, Internode Borer; Chilo sacchariphagus, Pink Borer; Sesamia inferans which were already known spp were recorded in comparatively higher proportions. Among collected specimens, Scirpophaga incertulas (family Crambidae) and Ostrinia nubilalis (family Crambidae) were identified as moth borer spp which were newly recorded from the sugarcane ecosystem of the Uda Walawe and Sevanagala sugarcane growing areas. Except them, four moth species were identified which having miner damages on sugarcane plants instead acting as borers ie. Chilo suppressalis (Striped rice stem borer), Calamotropha paludella (Bulrush Veneer), Euproctis similis (Swan moth) and Arna pseudoconspersa (brown tail moth).