Impact of mosaic infection on growth and yield of sugarcane

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the impact of sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) on cane growth and yield of two popular sugarcane varieties Co 740 and CoC 671 with virus free and virus-infected seed cane materials. The results revealed a significant reduction in sett germination and tiller production in both the varieties. Similarly a significant reduction in number of millable canes due to virus infection was found in both the varieties at the time of harvest. Virus infection significantly reduced the net CO2 assimilation rate during the grand growth period. At harvest, cane stalks from virus-infected plots recorded a significant reduction in cane diameter, cane weight and number of internodes. Results of juice analysis revealed that virus infection reduced brix, sucrose per cent, purity and commercial cane sugar per cent in both sugarcane varieties. The results indicated that infection of SCMV in sugarcane may severely affect cane growth and sugar yield under field conditions, and sugar recovery to a significant level in the country.