The top leaves of grown cane are bunched and crowded together at the crown, with rows of small holes across the leaves and a dead bud at the top. Some canes have side shoots from the top. Maharashtra. What is this?
A bunchy crowded top with a row of shot holes across the unfurling leaves and a dead growing point, sometimes with side shoots, is top borer damage in grown cane. The larva bores into the growing point so the central bud dies and the top tufts. Cut and destroy the affected tops with the larva before it moves on, and remove egg masses on the underside of leaves during regular field walks. Avoid excess nitrogen and tender lush growth, which the moth prefers for egg laying. Release Trichogramma japonicum cards where available, this is one of the better tools for top borer. On a serious early attack a recommended systemic granular insecticide applied as per label can help, but timing matters more than the chemical. Confirm the pest and any spray with your KVK or Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune.
The Trichogramma cards from the sugar factory worked for our area against top borer. I also cut the bunchy tops early so the larva did not spread to nearby canes.
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