WEST-INDIAN CANE WEEVIL (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE) - A NEW PEST OF SUGARCANE IN FLORIDA

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.