Sugarcane Weevil Borer (Rhabdoscelus Obscurus) in Fiji Islands and Recommendations Towards Its Control

Pests have been a constant threat to agriculture the world over. In the Fiji Islands where the major agricultural export commodity is raw sugar, the Sugarcane weevil borer is one such agricultural pest that poses a real threat to an already ailing industry. The Sugarcane weevil borer (Rhabdoscelus obscure) is a pest originally found in Papua New Guinea whose introduction into Fiji has resulted in crop damage particularly to the soft variety of sugarcane found in Fiji. This review highlights the emergence of the weevil borer and explains a possible control that could be implemented by the Fijian farmers. The current method of control in Fiji uses the split billet trap. While this method has been recognized as an economically viable method of controlling the spread of the weevil borer, it has not been completely effective in eradicating the pest. This paper highlights and puts forth recommendations on other methods which could be used by the sugarcane industry.