ARS | Publication request: Yield Loss in Smut-Infected L 97-128.

Submitted to: Sugar Bulletin
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 18, 2008
Publication Date: August 20, 2008
Citation: Grisham, M.P., Johnson, R.M., Viator, R.P., Hoy, J.W. 2008. Yield Loss in Smut-Infected L 97-128. Sugar Bulletin. 86(11):9-11.

Technical Abstract: Experiments were conducted in commercial fields of first-stubble L97-128 to determine the effect of smut on the yield of this variety. The amount of smut in 50-foot plots was determined in the spring by counting all healthy and diseased shoots (whips) in each plot and calculating the percent of whips per plot. Plots were mechanically harvested in the fall and the total weight of harvested cane in each plot was determined. A sub-sample of the billeted cane was collected from each plot for juice analysis. Plot weights and TRS (theoretical recoverable sucrose) were used to calculate cane (tons cane per acre) and sugar (pounds per acre) yields. The average yield of plots with greater than 15% whips per plot in 2006 and greater than 20% in 2007, respectively, was between 5 and 6 tons per acre less cane and than the average of plots with less smut; while loss of sugar were was between 1300 and 1500 pounds per acre.