Baseline Susceptibility of Eldana saccharina to Coragen® SC: Implications for Resistance Monitoring and Management in Sugarcane

Eldana saccharina Walker is a major sugarcane pest in South Africa, primarily controlled with chemical insecticides, though resistance threatens their effectiveness. Laboratory bioassays at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute evaluated the baseline susceptibility of E. saccharina to six concentrations of Coragen® (chlorantraniliprole). Mortality and larval weight data were analysed using probit analysis to determine LC50 and LC95 values and assess growth inhibition. Mortality and weight reduction increased with concentration, with the highest concentration causing 79% mortality.