Annual Assessment of Sugarcane Diseases in Madhya Pradesh – A Comprehensive Survey

Sugarcane is an important commercial crop grown in India. The crop is liable to be affected by more than 50 diseases that substantially cause cane yield and quality reduction. A survey was conducted in the years 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2019-20 to document the incidence of various diseases in different sugarcane-growing areas of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was conducted from 15th May to 15th June (first), 10-30th July (second) and 10 to 30th September (third) at different stages of sugarcane in the varieties growing at farmer’s field. During the survey, 100 plants were randomly observed from different corners of the field, and data were presented in per cent disease incidence (%). Results revealed that sugarcane smut was a prominent disease, and most genotypes were affected by 1-18 % incidence. The maximum incidence of the smut was recorded on Co J 64 %. Grassy shoot disease ranged between 1-11 %, especially under ratoon conditions. Yellow leaf disease was noticed in most of the varieties growing in the regions, with an incidence of up to 10 %. Pokkah boeng disease (PBD) was observed in almost all locations with wide cultivating varieties. The highest incidence of PBD was recorded in Co 99004 (5-23 %) at Narmadapuram and Bohani. Sugarcane mosaic incidence was recorded at 2-20 % in Narmadapuram. Red rot incidence was recorded with a range of 2-13 % on CoS 88230, Co Lk 8001, Co C 671 and Co 8014. Sugarcane wilt was recorded on two varieties, i.e. CoJ 64 (0-20 %) and Co 94012 (11-33 %). The growing of non-recommended varieties, multiple ratooning and lack of knowledge of seed health have played critical roles in disseminating sugarcane disease in the state. This survey would help minimize the attack of sugarcane diseases in the state by minimizing the cultivation of susceptible varieties and by adopting other suitable measures.