Integrated disease management strategies in sugarcane cultivation

Authors: Comstock, Jack; Sood, Sushma

Submitted to: Achieving Sustainable Culture of Sugarcane
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/9/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: Sugarcane diseases cause severe losses to sugar production around the world. More than 100 bacterial, fungal, phytoplasma and viral diseases are present in sugarcane growing areas worldwide. Some diseases are present in most sugarcane growing regions while others are confined to specific countries. Disease resistance is the primary method of disease control but adequate resistance in individual varieties to all diseases is either rare or does not exist. New disease threats and pathogen mutations with endemic diseases challenge management through disease resistance. Consequently, integrated disease management (IDM) strategies are imperative to accomplish the goal of maximizing sustainable economic returns by minimizing losses caused by diseases. IDM strategies include avoidance, eradication, exclusion, resistance, protection and therapy. An understanding of the risks posed by endemic and exotic pathogens within a specific production area, knowledge of cost, availability and ease of application of various disease control technologies are key drivers to the formulation of an appropriate IDM strategy.