Estimation of Sugar Loss Due to Infestation by the Stem Borer , Chilo Sacchariphagus , in Mauritius

To justify the cost effectiveness of sex pheromones for the control of the stem borer Chilo sacchariphagus Bojer in sugarcane, the relationship between the per cent internodes bored and the various yield parameters, i.e. pol % cane, purity, fibre % cane, industrial recoverable sugar % cane (IRSC) and weight had to be determined. Analyses were made on cane samples, with varying degrees of infestation, in each of the four climatic regions of Mauritius. Simple regression analyses were carried out between each of the yield components and the per cent internodes bored. Multiple regressions for loss in relation to degree of stem borer infestation and climatic regions were obtained for the per cent mass, IRSC and sugar loss. The multiple correlation coefficients were 0,95, 0,94 and 0,96 respectively.