Screening sugarcane accessions for resistance against Sugarcane Streak Mosaic Virus (SCSMV)

Abstract

Sugarcane Streak Mosaic is a new sugarcane disease and has widespread sugarcane fields in Java, some parts of Sumatra, and Sulawesi. A severe infection could decrease sugar content and production significantly. This study aimed to screen the resistance level of eighteen potential accessions derived from cross-breeding sugarcane varieties to the disease. The research was conducted at a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications using artificial inoculation. Each accession contained 10 plants. The resistant category based on disease incidence and severity was observed 2 months after inoculation. Results of the screening indicated that four accessions were categorized as resistant, i.e: PS 04 303, PS 04 199, PS 06 395, and PS 06 188); 1 moderately resistant (PS 05 370); 7 accessions were susceptible and four accessions were very susceptible to SCSMV. The screening showed that there were resistant accessions that could be developed as new potential varieties.