Measures to Minimize the Growing Menace of Red Rot of Sugarcane in Subtropical India

Red rot caused by Colletotrichum falcatum is the major fungal disease responsible for deteriorating and knocking down major commercial sugarcane varieties out of cultivation during the past 120 years. Recently, a popular commercial variety with very high yield and sucrose content, Co 0238, became victim of red rot due to the emergence of a new virulent pathotype, CF13. This variety occupies > 75% area in Uttar Pradesh, the major sugarcane growing state in India, and because of its breakdown to red rot, both the farmers and millers are facing serious economic losses. In view of the present alarming situation, immediate attention is required to gradually reduce the monocropping of Co 0238 and replace the variety in the command areas of sugar mills of the state, as well as implement scientifically established crop management practices to sustain sugar production in the subtropics. In this communication, some important red rot management practices have been suggested; these may be useful in reducing losses due to red rot epidemics and help in sustaining sugarcane production in north Indian states.