Plant Disease

High Severity

Red Rot of Sugarcane

Affects: Sugarcane · Peak incidence during waterlogging conditions; also spreads through infected seed cane

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Causal Organism

Colletotrichum falcatum (fungus) — most important disease of sugarcane

Symptoms

Internal reddening of stalk with white patches (cross-sections show alternating red and white). Affected stools dry out and die. Infected juice smells of alcohol. Leaves turn yellow from bottom.

Prevention

Plant only disease-free sets from certified seed cane. Use resistant varieties (Co 0238, Co 0118). Treat seed cane with carbendazim (1g/L) before planting. Avoid waterlogging.

Season Risk: Peak incidence during waterlogging conditions; also spreads through infected seed cane

Treatment

No effective chemical cure in the field. Rogue out infected stools immediately. Drench surrounding area with carbendazim. In endemic areas, replant with resistant varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What varieties are resistant to red rot?
CoSe 92423, Co 0238, CoVSI 9805 have moderate-to-good resistance. Check with your local ICAR-SBI (Sugarcane Breeding Institute) for current variety recommendations for your region.

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