STEM BORER
Facts & Information
A caterpillar pest that tunnels into rice and sugarcane stems, causing dead hearts.
Family Name
Crambidae
What do stem borer look like?
Larvae bore into the stem near the base, causing the central shoot to wither — a symptom known as “dead heart” in young plants, or “white head” in mature crops where the panicle fails to develop.
How do I get rid of stem borer?
Field sanitation, timely planting, and removal of stubble after harvest reduce carryover populations. Recommended treatment timed to early infestation stages, guided by local agronomists, gives the most reliable protection.
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Learn all about stem borer
A caterpillar pest that tunnels into rice and sugarcane stems, causing dead hearts.
Damage Caused
Dead hearts in young plants, white heads in mature crops.
Life Cycle
Several generations possible per season.
Peak Season
Throughout the rice and sugarcane growing season.
Look For
Wilting central shoots and small entry holes near the stem base.
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