O. Sosa et al., WEST-INDIAN CANE WEEVIL (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE) - A NEW PEST OF SUGARCANE IN FLORIDA, Journal of economic entomology, 90(2), 1997, pp. 634-638
The West Indian cane weevil, Metamasius hemipterus (L.), was first dis
covered in the United States in Homestead, FL, in 1984. Ten years late
r it was found infesting sugarcane in Belie Glade, and a subsequent su
rvey indicated the pest was widely distributed throughout Florida wher
e sugarcane is produced. Infestation levels ranging from 8 to 32% of t
he stalks of 'CP 85-1382' were found at 3 farms. The larval stage was
the most frequently encountered (89%) growth stage, with an overall me
an of approximate to 2 larvae per stalk. There were significant differ
ences of most yield components between infested and uninfested stalks.
A 32% stalk infestation at one farm caused an estimated loss of $402.
40/ha. Based on infestation levels, distribution in Florida, and losse
s observed, this pest is important and should be monitored closely. Li
ttle or no infestation was detected in other cultivars growing next to
CP 85-1382. Thus, host plant resistance may be an important strategy
for management of this pest.