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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Houma, Louisiana » Sugarcane Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #302826
Title: Sugarcane smut test

Author
item Grisham, Michael
item Johnson, Richard
item BALL, BRIAN - American Sugar Cane League

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/2014
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Susceptibility to smut continues to contribute to the elimination of clones from the breeding program. Because of its yield performance and erectness, variety L 01-299 was released although there were concerns about its susceptibility to smut. In 2013, a study was established in two fields of L 01-299 (one plant cane and the other first ratoon) to determine the effect of smut on the yield of this variety. Fifty-foot plots were established in each field (90 in plant cane and 93 in first ratoon). Disease incidence was measure for each plot based on the number of infected stools per plot. Ratings were made in July and August. Soil samples were collected from each plot for soil property analysis. Each experimental plot was harvested with a single-row, chopper harvester and the total plot weight determined with a weigh wagon. Billet samples were collected from each plot for juice quality analysis. Juice was extracted with a roller mill. Cane and sucrose yields were calculated using plot weights and theoretically recoverable sucrose. Approximately 8.0% of the stools were smut infected across both tests. A significant decrease in tons per acre and sugar per acre with increasing smutted stools was observed in the plant-cane crop. Although not significant, a similar trend was suggested by the results from the first-ratoon crop. Theoretical recoverable sugar was not affected by smut incidence in either field.