Studies on Sugarcane Wilt Caused by Fusarium sacchari under Sub-tropical India

Abstract

Wilt disease of sugarcane is a complex and serious disease known to cause significant loss. In India, Sugarcane wilt disease was recorded almost 100 years ago and is one of the major fungal diseases affecting sugarcane production and productivity. First reported from Bihar in 1906 by Butler and detailed studies were made few years later in 1913 by Butler and Khan. The present study includes genotypes/varieties evaluation against wilt disease (Fusarium sacchari) of sugarcane in sub-tropical region of India. Total 35 genotypes, maintained at ICAR-IISR, Lucknow and were tested against wilt of sugarcane. Out of 35 genotypes, 25 genotypes were rated as resistant (R) genotypes to wilt disease and 10 genotypes were rated as susceptible (S) against wilt disease of sugarcane. The genotypes rated susceptible can be exploited as susceptible check for screening against wilt of sugarcane whereas genotypes rated resistant against sugarcane wilt disease can be exploited for development of wilt resistant variety of sugarcane. The aim of the study is to help the researcher to get an idea about the impact and importance of wilt disease in sugarcane.