The Cane Weevil Borer (CWB) is an emerging threat to sugarcane crops in Fiji, particularly in sugarcane-growing regions. The larvae of this pest feed on the internal structures of sugarcane stalks, which contain the vital juice used for sugar production.
Geetha Nandagopal, the head of the Crop Protection Department at the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) and also associated with India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, highlighted that no sugarcane variety is resistant to this pest. She noted that infestations of the CWB can lead to significant wilting, particularly during periods of low moisture, which can ultimately result in the death of the plants.
Nandagopal expressed concern over the impact of CWB on sugarcane growers, emphasizing that the damage is particularly severe in lodged canes—those that have fallen or bent, which are more susceptible to breakage during strong winds. She stated that the consequences of these infestations extend beyond physical damage, impacting overall crop health and yield.
Research suggests that CWB infestations can lead to an estimated 10 percent decrease in sugarcane yield and a worrying two percent decline in quality. Alarmingly, the absence of any immune sugarcane varieties exacerbates the challenges faced by growers, requiring them to continually adapt their pest management practices. Nandagopal added that the relationship between CWB infestations and wilting is especially pronounced during drought conditions.