A Note on Sugarcane Infestation by White Grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Relation to Crop Cycles and Variety *

Abstract

Seventy two sugarcane fields in the sugarcane plantation of Kenana Sugar
Company, Sudan, were inspected during 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 seasons to study the
extent of infestation by the white grubs in relation to cane crop cycles and variety. Five
standard pits were made in different locations across each field, and the insects in each
pit were counted. The results showed that in all crop cycles sugarcane was infested by
the grubs with variable levels. Significantly lower infestation was recorded from the
plant cane than the second or the fourth ratoon which were equally infested. The two
main sugarcane varieties, Co6806 and Co997, were comparably infested by the grubs.
The trend of infestation during the two seasons was not different.