Comparative Performance of Sugarcane Genotypes against Stalk Borer (Chilo auricilius Dudgeon) in Punjab

The present study was aimed at identification of the resistant/resistant clones of sugarcane against stalk borer (Chilo auricilius) for their exploitation in sugarcane economic breeding as the losses incurred by it to sugarcane cultivation in sub-tropical zone are upto 33% and there is no chemical control available for combating this pest in Punjab. The natural incidence of sugarcane stalk borer on 132 sugarcane genotypes/cultivars/elite clones/varieties, collected from 12 different sugarcane research centres of India, over two years has been reported. The experimental material exhibited large variations in the incidence of stalk borer ranging from 1 (Co Se 00421, Sel 18–01) to 32.91% (Co S 02258). Thirty-three genotypes showed less than five% incidence, categorized as resistant and, hence, suggested for genetic enhancement.