Sugarcane is a vital crop that provides a major source of sugar production worldwide. However, this crop is often affected by various diseases that can severely impact its yield and quality. One of the most common and devastating diseases of sugarcane is Red Rot. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and control measures of Red Rot of sugarcane.
Introduction
Red Rot of sugarcane is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum falcatum. This disease is widespread in many sugarcane-growing regions, and it can cause a significant reduction in crop yield and quality. The disease infects the stem of the sugarcane plant and can spread rapidly, leading to a complete loss of the crop.
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What is Red Rot of Sugarcane?
Red Rot of Sugarcane is a fungal disease that affects the stem of the sugarcane plant. The disease is characterized by the appearance of reddish-brown lesions on the stem, which eventually turn into elongated cracks. The infected stem becomes weak, and the plant may start to wilt and eventually die. Red Rot is a soil-borne disease and can persist in the soil for many years.
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Symptoms of Red Rot
The symptoms of Red Rot of Sugarcane are easily identifiable. The infected stem of the sugarcane plant shows the following symptoms:
Reddish-Brown Lesions
The stem develops reddish-brown lesions, which are the primary symptoms of the disease. These lesions are circular or oval-shaped and may be surrounded by a yellow halo.
Elongated Cracks
The reddish-brown lesions on the stem eventually turn into elongated cracks. These cracks may extend up to several inches and may be accompanied by a foul odor.
Wilting and Drying of Leaves
As the disease progresses, the plant may start to wilt, and the leaves may dry up. Red Rot of Sugarcane is because the infected stem cannot supply sufficient nutrients and water to the leaves.
Stunted Growth
The plant may show stunted growth and may not produce a proper yield.
Causes of Red Rot
Red Rot is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum falcatum. The fungus enters the plant through wounds or natural openings and starts to colonize the stem. The disease spreads rapidly in warm and humid weather conditions. Red Rot is a soil-borne disease and can persist in the soil for many years.
Control Measures
There are several control measures that can be used to manage Red Rot of sugarcane. These include:
Chemical Control
Fungicides can be used to control Red Rot. The most effective fungicides include carbendazim, tebuconazole, and propiconazole. These fungicides should be applied at the first sign of the disease.
Biological Control
Several biological control agents are effective against Red Rot. These include Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. These biocontrol agents can be applied to the soil or the sugarcane plant to prevent Red Rot.
Cultural Control
Cultural practices can help to prevent the spread of Red Rot. These include crop rotation, sanitation, and proper drainage. The infected plant debris should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent Red Rot:
- Use disease-free planting material
- Practice crop rotation
- Avoid planting sugarcane in the same field repeatedly
- Practice proper irrigation and drainage to prevent waterlogging
- Use resistant varieties of sugarcane
- Avoid planting sugarcane in the same field repeatedly
- Practice proper irrigation and drainage to prevent waterlogging
- Use resistant varieties of sugarcane
Conclusion
Red Rot is a devastating disease of sugarcane that can cause a significant reduction in crop yield and quality. It is caused by a soil-borne fungus and can persist in the soil for many years. The disease is characterized by reddish-brown lesions on the stem, which eventually turn into elongated cracks. Control measures for Red Rot include chemical, biological, and cultural methods. Prevention is the best approach to manage Red Rot of sugarcane.
FAQs
Q. Can Red Rot be cured? A. Red Rot cannot be cured once the plant is infected. However, control measures can be taken to manage the disease.
Q. How can I prevent Red Rot? A. You can prevent Red Rot by using disease-free planting material, practicing crop rotation, and using resistant varieties of sugarcane.
Q. What are the symptoms of Red Rot? A. The symptoms of Red Rot include reddish-brown lesions on the stem, elongated cracks, wilting and drying of leaves, and stunted growth.
Q. Is Red Rot a common disease of sugarcane? A. Yes, Red Rot is a common disease of sugarcane in many sugarcane-growing regions.
Q. How can I control Red Rot? A. Red Rot can be controlled by using chemical fungicides, biological control agents, and cultural practices like crop rotation and sanitation.
