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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Houma, Louisiana » Sugarcane Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #340036
Research Project: Sugarcane Improvement through Effective Disease Management and Resistance Development

Location: Sugarcane Research

Title: Field screening of sugarcane varieties for sugarcane yellow leaf in Louisiana

Author
item Grisham, Michael
item Maggio, Jeri
item Warnke, Kathryn

Submitted to: American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/27/2017
Publication Date: 6/14/2017
Citation: Grisham, M.P., Maggio, J.R., Warnke, K.Z. 2017. Field screening of sugarcane varieties for sugarcane yellow leaf in Louisiana. Journal of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. 37:37.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The causal agent of sugarcane yellow leaf is the Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV), a member of Luteoviridae family. As with other luteoviruses, SCYLV is only transmitted by specific aphids in a circulative, non-propagative manner. In Louisiana, the primary vector of SCYLV is believed to be the sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari. Field trials were established in 2009, 2012, and 2016 to screen sugarcane varieties for susceptibility to infection by the SCYLV. Single-row plots of near-release varieties were planted in a field with border rows and every third row planted with SCYLV-infected variety LCP 85-384, a good host for M. sacchari. Natural spread of SCYLV from LCP 85-384 to the test varieties was detected using RT-PCR in plant-cane, first-ratoon, and second-ratoon crops of the 2009 and 2013 trials and the plant-cane crop of the 2016 trial. Among the 45 varieties included in the trials, 15 tested positive for SCYLV, including four current commercial varieties, L 99-233, L 01-283, L 01-299, and HoCP 04-838. To minimize the spread of the SCYLV and the potential for yield loss, growers should plant seed cane free of SCYLV virus infection.