A large variety of insects feed on sugarcane.
Many are only occasional feeders, but in most
regions where this crop is grown insect pests are
a signifi cant factor in the economics of sugarcane
production. Pemberton & Williams(1) noted that
most pests of sugarcane are local species that have
moved onto sugarcane from the habitat surrounding
where the crop is cultivated. However, some,
for example the lepidopterous stalk borer Chilo
sacchariphagus (Bojer), have been spread into new
regions accidentally from their area of origin as a
result of the activities of man