Sugarcane is the backbone of the sugar industry and a crucial crop for millions of farmers. However, pests and diseases can severely impact its growth, reducing both yield and profit. Without proper sugarcane pest control and disease management strategies, these threats can cause huge losses. By adopting the best management practices for sugarcane pests and diseases, farmers can protect their crops and boost productivity. Let's explore the most effective ways to keep your sugarcane fields healthy and thriving!
List of sugarcane diseases & pests
Pests
- Sugarcane Whitefly
- Sugarcane Leaf hopper
- Sugarcane Mealybug
- Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer
- Sugarcane Mites
Diseases
- Sugarcane Red Rot
- Sugarcane Wilt Disease
- Sugarcane Smut Disease
- Sugarcane Rust Disease
- Sugarcane Grassy Shoot Disease
Major Pests of Sugarcane
1. Sugarcane Whitefly
About the Pest: Whiteflies are tiny sap-sucking insects that weaken sugarcane plants, leading to reduced photosynthesis and poor growth.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Leaves turn yellow and dry due to excessive sap loss.
- The secretion of honeydew promotes sooty mold, further hampering growth.
Control Measures:
- Apply IMD-178 (Imidacloprid 17.8% SL) and Pyron (Pyriproxyfen + Diafenthiuron).
- Regularly monitor fields and remove infested leaves.
2. Sugarcane Leaf hopper
About the Pest: This tiny insect feeds on plant sap and spreads diseases like yellow leaf syndrome.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Leaves curl and develop reddish-brown streaks.
- Heavy infestations cause stunted growth and yield loss.
Control Measures:
- Apply Chakrawarti (Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% Zc) to control outbreaks.
- Ensure proper field sanitation and weed control.
3. Sugarcane Mealybug
About the Pest: Mealybugs suck sap from sugarcane plants, weakening them and causing mold growth.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Plant leaves turn yellow and wilt.
- The sticky honeydew secretion encourages sooty mold formation.
Control Measures:
- Spray Sarvashakti or Ashwamedh Plus (Diafenthiuron 50% WP).
- Avoid over-fertilization, which attracts mealybugs.
4. Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer
About the Pest: This borer attacks young sugarcane shoots, leading to dead stunted growth.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Infested shoots wilt and eventually die.
- The presence of boreholes in stalks indicates infestation.
Control Measures:
- Use Organic Pest Controller (Finish It) for effective control.
- Ensure crop rotation to break pest life cycles.
5. Sugarcane Mites
About the Pest: Mites are microscopic pests that suck plant sap, leading to leaf discoloration.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Leaves turn yellow, red, or bronze, and plant growth is stunted.
- Cane stalks show brownish-red discoloration inside.
Control Measures:
- Spray 3 in 1 Organic Pesticide.
- Apply acaricides if infestation becomes severe.
Major Diseases of Sugarcane
1. Sugarcane Red Rot
About the Disease: A deadly fungal disease that rots sugarcane stalks from the inside.
Symptoms & Damage:
- The top leaves turn yellow, droop, and eventually wither.
- Splitting the cane reveals reddish areas interspersed with white patches, a sour alcoholic smell, and the cane may dry up, making it unfit for sugar production.
Control Measures:
- Grow disease-resistant sugarcane varieties.
- Apply KTM (Thiophanate Methyl 70% wp) as a preventive measure.
2. Sugarcane Wilt Disease
About the Disease: A serious fungal disease that weakens sugarcane plants and reduces yield.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Affected plants are shorter, weaker, and their upper leaves turn yellow, drying from the tips downward.
- When cut open, the stem shows reddish-brown streaks, and in severe cases, the center may become hollow.
Control Measures:
- Remove and destroy infected plants.
- Apply All In One Organic Fungicide.
- Use disease-free planting materials.
3. Sugarcane Smut Disease
About the Disease: A fungal disease causing black whip-like growths on sugarcane.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Plants become stunted and weak.
- Black or gray whip-like structures.
- White spots and drying of leaves
Control Measures:
- Use Boost (Propiconazole 25% EC).
- Grow smut-resistant sugarcane varieties.
4. Sugarcane Rust Disease
About the Disease: A fungal infection that causes orange or brown pustules on leaves.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Small yellowish spots (1-4 mm) appear on both sides of sugarcane leaves, gradually turning reddish-brown or brown as the disease progresses.
- Pustules (small raised bumps) develop on the underside of leaves, and in severe cases, they merge, covering large leaf areas.
Control Measures:
- Apply COC 50 (Copper Oxychloride 50% WP), copper-based fungicides for effective control.
- Avoid overhead irrigation to reduce moisture buildup.
5. Sugarcane Grassy Shoot Disease
About the Disease: A fungal disease that causes excessive tillering and weak growth.
Symptoms & Damage:
- Infected plants show abnormal tiller growth and yellow or white leaves due to reduced chlorophyll.
- Plants have shorter internodes, thinner stalks, and may fail to form cane.
Control Measures:
- Use certified disease-free planting material.
- Spray Demat (Dimethoate 30% Ec) Insecticide.
Conclusion: A Healthier Sugarcane Crop for Higher Yields
Managing sugarcane pests and diseases requires an integrated approach that includes biological, cultural and chemical control methods. Regular field monitoring, using resistant varieties, and maintaining field hygiene are crucial steps in protecting your crop. By implementing these strategies, farmers can achieve higher yields, better quality sugarcane, and increased profitability. Stay informed, stay proactive and ensure a thriving sugarcane farm!
