Conclusions
It is likely that the Indonesian moth borers would quickly colonise areas of
tropical and subtropical regions of Queensland if introduced and it is important to be
prepared for any sudden incursion. Incursion Management Plans have been developed
by BSES Limited, and these contain comprehensive dossiers on the biology, ecology
and management of world moth borers, including the Indonesian species (Sallam and
Allsopp, 2008 a, b). In addition, our study highlighted some behavioural variations
between Indonesian moth borers and other populations of the same species across the
species range in Asia and Indian Ocean islands. Hence, detailed DNA phylogenetic
studies are required to clarify the status of the moth borer complex in Asia. Moreover,
information gained during this work highlights the importance of further studying
pest/natural enemy relationships in the sugarcane ecosystem in Java, and
investigating reasons for the failure of Cotesia flavipes to parasitise larvae of Chilo
auricilius. There is also need to examine the range of similar natural enemies in
Australia to determine whether they can exploit exotic pest species for their
development. A study is currently underway to test the indigenous Australian
parasitoid Cotesia nonagriae (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) against exotic moth
borers (Kate Muirhead, personal communication).
In light of the information highlighted through this work, it is advised that
moth borer monitoring in Indonesia should continue and be considered a key part of
any management program. This will ensure accurate targeting of the correct pest
species, and will enable the timely detection of any change in pest status and
distribution over time. Information obtained during this general survey and an ongoing
monthly survey will improve our knowledge of the nature of these pests, and
Sallam N et al. Proc Aust Soc Sugar Cane Technol Vol 32 2010
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will ultimately ensure a coordinated Emergency Response by the Australian sugar
industry in case of a sudden pest incursion.
Acknowledgments
We thank Lilik Putra and Trikuntari Dianpratiwi (Indonesian Sugar Research
Institute) for help with field work and Dr Peter Allsopp for providing helpful
comments on this manuscript. Drs Rob Magarey and Peter Samson are thanked for
assisting with data collecting and recording. This work would not have been possible
without the funding received from the Australian Centre of International Agricultural
Research (ACIAR) and BSES Limited.
REFERENCES
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