Rind disease of sugar cane

Rind disease of sugar cane is caused by the fungus Phaeocytostroma sacchari, a pathogen known for its negative impact on sugar cane plantations globally. This fungal disease primarily attacks the stalks of the plant, significantly affecting the yield and quality of the sugar production.

The disease is characterized by the appearance of dark, slightly raised pustules on the rind of the cane stalk. As the infection progresses, the inner tissue of the stalk begins to desiccate, darken, and lose its structural integrity. These symptoms are most commonly observed on mature or stressed plants that are nearing harvest.

Environmental conditions play a crucial role in the development and spread of Phaeocytostroma sacchari. It thrives when the host plant is under environmental stress, such as prolonged drought or imbalanced soil nutrients. Spores are disseminated by wind, rain splashes, and sometimes by insects that create entry points in the protective outer layer of the cane.

The economic impact of rind disease is significant, as it leads to a reduction in juice quality and sugar recovery rates. Infected stalks produce lower-grade raw sugar and are unsuitable for use as propagation material, which can lead to rapid spread across commercial farms if not managed properly.

Management and prevention require a multi-faceted agronomic approach:

• Planting of resistant or tolerant sugar cane cultivars.
• Maintaining optimal irrigation and soil fertility to prevent plant stress.
• Sanitation practices, including the removal and destruction of infected crop debris after harvest.
• Integrated pest management to reduce insect-related damage that acts as entry sites for the fungus.
• Selection of healthy planting material for new fields.