Diseases of Sugarcane & their control
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However, the causes, symptoms, transmission, perpetuation and control measures of different most important diseases of sugarcane, based on the description by Kamal and Moghal (1968), Hafiz (1986), Ahmad (1988), Bhatti and Soomro (1996), Bhatti and Jiskani (1996) and Jiskani (1999) are being summarised here under, for guide line to the growers, research and extension workers as well as students of agriculture. |
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WHIP SMUT (Ustilago scitaminea) Syd. |
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Control: Following measures are suggested for prevention as well as control of the disease: 1) Sets from smutted canes should not be used for planting. 2) Seed-sets should be disinfected either in 0.1% mercuric chloride or formaline solution for 5 minutes followed by 2 hours covering under a moist cloth. The other effective chemicals available in market may also be used. 3) Hot water treatment of sets at 52OC for 18 minutes can help eliminate the internal infection. 4) Smutted plants should be rouged out and burnt before the bursting of the spores. 5) Ratooning of the diseases crop should be discoursed. 6) Suitable rotations with non-host crops should be practised. 7) Planting should be done in healthy soil. 8) Dry sowing of the crop should be carried out, where disease is prevalent. 9) Autumn planting of sugarcane should be avoided. 10) Use of resistant varieties should be encouraged. |
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Control: The destruction of cane plant debris alone would control the disease in alkali soils. However, planting disease free sets as well as the development and use of resistant varieties will be more practicable and economical control measure. |
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Rred Rot (Colletotrichum falcatum) Went. Symptoms: The disease first appears as red bright lesions on mid rib of leaves and shows itself as drooping and changing of colour of upper leaves. Withering of the leaves proceeds downwards. Usually third or the fourth leaf from the top is affected and shows drying at the tip. The pith becomes red and later on brown. In sever cases complete destruction of the stools is brought about. When the infected canes are spilt open they gave out an alcoholic smell due to fermentation and show-reddened areas. Perpetuation: The disease is perpetuated from year to year by planting sets from infected canes and also through the fungus that remains viable on diseased canes lying in the field or ratooning of the crop. Control: Non ratooning and use of resistant varieties are recommended. Disinfecting of sets with effective and easily available chemicals. |
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Pokkah boeng (Fusarium moniliforme) Sheldon Symptoms: Pokkah boeng meaning distorted top in Javanese. The disease appears in different stages representing development of chlorotic areas at the basal parts of the lower leaves, development of irregular reddish specks or stripes and appearance of top rot followed by total killing. The young leaves may also show pronounced wrinkling, twisting and shortening, depending upon the varieties and climatic conditions. In tolerant varieties there may be recovery of growth, when the conditions improve. |
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Perpetuation: Its causal agent was not established till 1927. It is now present in many countries, including Pakistan. However, it can not be asked that how the disease can survive.
Control: Do not use seed sets from diseased plants. |
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SUGARCANE MOSAIC VIRUS (SCMV, Potyvirus group) Alternate hosts: Maize and sorghum. Control: Planting virus free sets and avoid ratooning of diseased crop. Minor Diseases |
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2. Bhatti, I. M. and A. H. Soomro. 1996. Agricultural inputs and field crop production in Sindh. Agricultural Research Sindh, Hyderabad. 4. Hafiz, A. 1986. Plant Diseases. PARC, Islamabad. 5. Jiskani, M. M. 1999. A brief outline “THE FUNGI” (Cultivation of mushrooms). 6. Kamal, M. and S. M. Moghal. 1968. Studies on plant disease of south West Pakistan. ARI, Tandojam. 7. Khoso, A. W. 1992. Crops of Sindh. 5th Edition. December,2004 |