ARS | Publication request: CP-Sugarcane Research in Florida: Past Achievements and Future Challenges

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 15, 2009
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Sugarcane orange rust is an economically important disease in Florida and has caused yield losses in the major cultivar, CP 80-1743 since it was introduced in 2007. Orange rust has caused susceptible cultivars to be discarded from the CP-cultivar development program and is also causing yield losses. Similar in appearance to sugarcane brown rust symptoms of orange rust can be distinguished by the lighter orange color of the pustules and spores. Besides developing resistance using conventional approaches several molecular approaches are being investigated to detect resistance genes. Although fungicides can control the disease it is best to have adequate resistance. In South Florida research is being conducted to develop cultivars better adapted for sand soil in Florida and for biomass/bio-energy cane for production, as well as, outside the South Florida area.