Progress in the development of cane varieties with resistance to canegrubs

Management options to minimise the impact of canegrubs are heavily dependant on the use of synthetic insecticides. In developing a successful IPM program for cane grubs, control options must be broadened. Plant resistance offers the potential for an easily deliverable and environmentally acceptable management option. Previous anecdotal reports suggest that Australian cultivars vary in their resistance to canegrubs. Many sugarcane clones (Saccharum spp. complex hybrids) were screened and have shown that they do vary in their resistance to reduction in tops, roots and stubble and in their effects on canegrub development and survival. Proteinase inhibitors and lectins with activity against canegrubs have been identified and are being introduced into the sugarcane genome. Toxins from Bacillus thUl·ingiensis have shown little potential and are not being used further. A rationale is presented of using resistant plants as a control option and of its incorporation into the breeding program. Projected research will focus on screening more available sugarcane clones for resistance, identifying chemical mechanisms involved in antibiotic effects, screening further antimetabolites for possible incorporation into the genome, and proving the potential resistance of genetically engineered plants.