On Red Rot of Sugarcane

Abstract

Red rot is a very serious disease of sugarcane. It was first described by Went in 1893 (56). Since then it has been found to cause epiphytotics in different countries. The surest symptom of the disease is the reddening of the internal internodal tissues with crossbars of white patches in the reddened area. This red colour is caused by a dye which is secreted by the host and is antagonistic to the red rot fungus. Infection takes place through mother setts, holes in the nodal regions, the cut ends of the seed canes and other injuries. The disease causes damage to the sugarcane drop mainly by reducing the crop stands and by reducing the sucrose content of the cane juice. Methods of chemical control are mentioned, although the importance of good husbandry is stressed. Use of resistant varieties of sugarcane is recommended.