Symptoms, causes, and control of red rot disease in sugarcane crops

Sugarcane is widely recognized as an industrial cash crop in our country, serving as the foundation for jaggery and sugar production. Although India ranks second in sugarcane production, many farmers struggle to identify diseases affecting sugarcane crops, leading to significant reductions in yield.

Wilt disease is one of the most damaging diseases in sugarcane crops, causing the leaves to turn yellow. Eventually, these leaves dry up and fall off. This yellowing and drying of leaves is a major concern for farmers, as it can severely reduce crop yield. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to identify the symptoms of wilt disease and take measures to prevent it. Agricultural scientists have provided information on the causes of this disease and how to prevent it.

Identifying Wilt Disease in Sugarcane:

The primary sign of wilt disease in sugarcane is the yellowing of leaves, which is also known as leaf wilt. At the early stage of the disease, the leaves turn yellow, then dry up, and eventually fall off. In addition to the disease, sugarcane crops are also affected by low moisture levels, insufficient rainfall, lack of soil moisture, and high temperatures.

How to Prevent Yellowing and Drying of Sugarcane Leaves:

According to agricultural scientists, testing the soil can help detect early signs of yellowing and drying in sugarcane crops. By identifying the issue beforehand, farmers can take the necessary treatments to protect their crops.

Tips for Maximizing Sugarcane Yield:

1. Conduct soil tests before planting sugarcane.  
2. Use high-quality seeds for sowing.  
3. Obtain healthy sugarcane seeds from nurseries.  
4. Select seeds from disease-free fields and destroy crop residues immediately after harvest.  
5. Follow a three-year crop rotation and ensure seed treatment before sowing.  
6. For seed treatment, immerse seeds in a solution of 0.5% Thiophanate Methyl 70 W.P. or 0.1% Carbendazim 50 W.P. before sowing.  
7. Limit the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers for better crop production.