Field studies of S. cretica Led. damage and potential crop losses on two important cultivars of sugarcane, NCo 310 and CP 57-614, were carried out in southern Khuzestan in 1998-1999.

 CP 57-614 showed greater mean percentage of bored nodes and internodes (20.7%) than NCo 310 (11-2%). Apart from the direct losses in cane weight (cane yield) due to boring from the larvae, cane juice quality is also adversely affected, resulting in lower recovery of sucrose in the factory. Sugar per ton of stalks also was greater in NCo 310 (132 kg) than in CP 57-614 (110 kg). Estimated sugar losses were 0.11 tons ha-1 for every 1% bored and rotten stalks. Other indirect losses are also discussed.