Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Sugarcane is an important high value crop which gives high economic returns. It provides products like white crystal, khandsari, jaggery, pressmud, ethanoletc and shows industrial potential. Sugarcane is attacked by many biotic and abiotic factors which is responsible for lowering down the cane yield. Among the biotic factors, diseases caused by fungi are the major cause of concern. Among the various fungal diseases, sugarcane smut caused by pathogen Sporisoriums citamineum (Syn: Ustilago scitamineum) has become highly significant in all over the world. Infected whip produces diploid teliospore and transmit the fungus into the healthy plants. Generally, the whip is the combination of host and pathogen tissue. When plant becomes two to four month-old, whip (covered with transparent layer) emerges. Correct diagnosis of pathogen at correct time is essential specially to identify the pathogen, its pathogenesis, epidemiological studies and finally management aspect. Due to change in science and technology, various molecular diagnostic techniques have been developed and became reliable to study pathogen variability. Sugarcane smut considered as the most dreaded disease, if not manage properly, may affect the cane yield as well as juice quality. Considering the importance of disease, sett treatment with hot water is suggested for the disease management. Some field sanitation practices i.e., removal of infected clumps/plants from field, using disease free sugarcane setts etc. which may lower down inoculum. Disease resistance in plant also plays an important role. Combination of Chemotherapy, biological control, quarantine, biotechnological approaches etc with other practices can be an effective way against sugarcane smut.