Internode Borer...

Symptoms of damage

• Caterpillars bore into softer elongating internodes; enter the stem and tunnel upwards in spiral fashion causing reduced growth.
• Constriction of stem
• Shortened internodes and death of cane tops
• Entry holes covered with frass

Identification

Larva: 4 violet or pink stripes and a light brown head

Adult: pale brown with white hind wings

Management

• Detrashing the canes during fifth, seventh and ninth month
• Plant self dethrashing varieties e.g. D8484
• Avoid use of excessive nitrogen fertilizers