Evaluation of smut inoculation techniques in sugarcane seedlings

Abstract

Smut disease of sugarcane, caused by the fungus Ustilago scitaminea Sydow, can cause considerable yield losses and reductions in cane quality. To investigate the reactions of the seedlings to smut, three different inoculation methods were employed. Data on number of smut whips per stool, disease incidents per population and number of tillers per plot were recorded and analysed. Results showed that screening for smut resistance at the first stage of selection to assess seedling reaction to smut is possible. The wound paste method of inoculation gave better results than the other techniques evaluated.