1UPCSR-Sugarcane Research and Seed Multiplication Center, Gola, Kheri-262802, Uttar Pradesh, India
2Institute of Agricultural Sciences, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273809, Uttar Pradesh, India
The use of healthy and vigorous setts plays a pivotal role in the sugarcane development program. The sugarcane grassy shoot disease (SCGS), which falls under major category of diseases, is associated with phytoplasmas in India, and responsible for severe losses in quality and yield. The SCGS is spread through vegetative propagating materials and insect vectors. To mitigate the infection of SCGS from the propagating materials and production of SCGS free sugarcane nursery, a hot water treatment (HTW) at 50°C for 2 hours was found best in three tier breeder seed's program for disease free nursery. This treatment allows a significant reduction in disease incidence. It is suggested to sugarcane growers, sugar mill personnel and various extension workers to utilize the HWT which not only eliminate the SCGS from infected stalks but also improves the germination of the setts for better yield potential.
Phytoplasmas, Thermotherapy, Quality loss, Healthy propagation materials
