Pest identification
What's eating my sugarcane plume grass?
Sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari)
Signs: Dense colonies on leaf undersides and stems; heavy honeydew deposits causing black sooty mould; weakened, yellowing canes
Control: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray targeting leaf undersides; encourage natural predators; avoid high-nitrogen fertiliser that promotes soft, aphid-attractive growth
Stem borers (Diatraea spp.)
Signs: Entry holes in cane stems; dead hearts in young shoots; internal tunnelling weakens stems which may snap at the wind
Control: Cut and destroy infested stems promptly; apply beneficial nematodes to the base of plants; pheromone traps can monitor adult moth activity
Deer and rabbits
Signs: Young spring growth grazed to the ground; the plant typically resprouts but flowering may be delayed by heavy browsing
Control: Use deer repellent on emerging shoots; protect small plantings with wire cage guards until canes toughen and grow tall
Keep sugarcane plume grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sugarcane Plume Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my sugarcane plume grass?
Sugarcane Plume Grass (Erianthus alopecuroides) is closely related to sugarcane and can attract similar pests. Sugarcane aphids colonise stems and leaf undersides in warm weather. Stem borers tunnel through the canes causing dead hearts. Deer browse young shoots readily. The sugarcane aphid is the most economically significant pest of this genus.
How do I get rid of sugarcane aphid (melanaphis sacchari) on sugarcane plume grass?
Dense colonies on leaf undersides and stems; heavy honeydew deposits causing black sooty mould; weakened, yellowing canes Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray targeting leaf undersides; encourage natural predators; avoid high-nitrogen fertiliser that promotes soft, aphid-attractive growth
How do I get rid of stem borers (diatraea spp.) on sugarcane plume grass?
Entry holes in cane stems; dead hearts in young shoots; internal tunnelling weakens stems which may snap at the wind Cut and destroy infested stems promptly; apply beneficial nematodes to the base of plants; pheromone traps can monitor adult moth activity
How do I get rid of deer and rabbits on sugarcane plume grass?
Young spring growth grazed to the ground; the plant typically resprouts but flowering may be delayed by heavy browsing Use deer repellent on emerging shoots; protect small plantings with wire cage guards until canes toughen and grow tall