SRA-LGAREC

UPDATES
Published by the SRA-La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center La Granja, La Carlota City Negros Occidental, Philippines ? &?0973-222-810
Vol. 3 No. 7 October 1999

TOP ROT DISEASE OF SUGARCANE

Top rot disease of sugarcane is a rotting of the top. The disease is caused by a bacteria Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae (Manns, 1909) Willems et al 1992. Reported losses due to top rot is up to 15 percent or more (Martin & Wisner , 1961). Usually in older canes, affected individual stalks within the stool are killed rather than the entire stool. In young canes, the entire stool may die. Symptoms ? ? Yellowing and wilting of the older leaves.

? ? Rotting of the top of the plant. The rotted portion has a strong unpleasant odor.

? ? Affected internodes exhibit sunken areas and water soaked in appearance. The internal tissues of internodes are marked with a narrow dark-red margin.

Page 1

SRA-LGAREC UPDATES
? ? As rotting progresses, large cavities are formed within the internodes. Sugarcane fields in Negros Occidental affected with top rot disease. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Hda. Pison,Talisay Hda. Bayabas, Cadiz Hda. Manocao, Hinigaran Hda. Elena, La Carlota

Control Measures ? ? Diseased stalks or stool should be rogued out. Before roguing, spray with insecticide solution the affected stalks and burn the stalks to kill the beetles clustering in the infected stalks or stool. Alternate host: ? ? Sorghum (Broom millet) ? ? Corn ? ? Carabao grass Means of Spread ? ? Wind ? ? Rain ? ? Insect (larvae and adult beetles ) ? ? When the area has more than 50% infection of top rot disease (old and young canes), cut down the canes and burn the trashes then plow the field. Allow a freeplanting period of 2-3 weeks. ? ? Change the affected variety. ? ? Dip cane points/planting materials taken from the infected field in insecticide solution for 5 minutes before planting.

By: Melanie C. Alba, Ph.D. Manager I, Crop Protection Dept. Sugar Regulatory Administration

Page 2