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PESTS OF GARDEN AND FIELD CROPS 



the sugar-cane borer. In early summer, the tender unfolding leaves 

 are found riddled, and often the central part destroyed, so that growth 

 is aborted. In midsummer a new generation of borers works in the 

 pith of the lower stalks, making numerous channels, often causing 

 the stalk to break down in strong winds. 



The first lot of moths are out early in the growing season, and lay 

 eggs on the young leaves. In the fall the larva of the second brood 

 burrows down into the base of the stalk, where it spends the winter. 



Control measures consist in the removal and destruction of all 

 stalks left in the field in fall. If the stalks are short, they may be 

 plowed under deeply. Rotation of crops will help in control. 



The Sugar-cane Borer {Diatrcea saccharalis Fab.) 



The work of this borer in sugar cane is similar to that of the related 

 species in corn. The larvae destroy the buds or " eyes " by entering 



the stalk through them, stunting the 

 growth of the young plants, and their 

 burrows so weaken the main stalks that 

 the plants break off in strong winds. In 

 addition the sugar content is seriously 

 lowered. 



Eggs are laid on the leaves, and the 

 larvae feed for a short time in the upper 

 whorls, but soon enter the cane. Pu- 

 pation takes place within the stalk. There 

 may be several broods annually. Winter 

 is passed as larva or pupa within the cane, 

 and emergence of adults begins early in 

 the spring. 



Control is difficult. All tops and trash 

 should be spread out to dry, and burned as soon as possible. Infested 

 cane around sheds and refineries should be destroyed. Shoots and 

 suckers from the stubble of early cut cane should be cut off, so as 

 to cause the death of the young borers within that otherwise would 

 hibernate. 



Fig. 101. — Adult of the 

 Sugar-cane Borer. Original. 



