Smut disease of Sugarcane and Their Control

Abstract

Smut disease of sugarcane caused by Ustilago scitaminea syd. is normally found in sugarcane plantation areas around the world. Susceptible plants show whip - like sorus which arise either from the terminal meristem or from lateral shoots. Teliospores are dispersed by wind. They will germinate and penetrate into lateral buds if the environment is suitable. When the shoot emerge, the pathogen also grows and produces whip - like sorus. In a susceptible plant, cane yield and commercial cane suger (CCS) will be reduced 8 - 18% and 7 - 13%, respectively. Increasing years for rtooning, it also increase disease severity. The control of smut disease can be done by roguing diseased shoot or stool, disease free planting material or using resistant cultivars.