Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus – A Silent Threat?

Abstract Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is the causal agent of yellow leaf disease, a significant threat to global sugarcane production. SCYLV is disseminated via infected planting material and transmitted by aphids, primarily by Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner). The disease’s impact varies depending on the sugarcane cultivar, with some varieties showing little to no foliar symptoms, yet experiencing severe yield losses. Reliable diagnostic methods, including serological and molecular techniques, are crucial for accurate detection, though these methods vary in sensitivity. Advances in molecular techniques have revealed ten major SCYLV genotypes grouped into three phylogroups, further complicating detection efforts. Improved understanding of SCYLV’s distribution within the plant and its seasonal variability are yet to be understood. Management strategies focus on breeding SCYLV-resistant varieties, but this is challenging due to the virus’s variable impact on yield and the often asymptomatic nature of epidemics. Efforts to develop SCYLV-free propagative material have been implemented, but the virus can still spread via aphid vectors from neighbouring fields. Ongoing research aims to identify resistant cultivars, optimize diagnostic techniques, and better understand the epidemiology of SCYLV to mitigate its impact on sugarcane yield and quality. Information © The Authors 2024