Red Stripe Disease is a bacterial infection caused by Xanthomonas rubrilineans, posing a significant problem to the global sugarcane industry. The bacteria enter the plant through stomata, wounds, or insect bites, and once inside, they grow rapidly, causing the disease’s characteristic symptoms. The name “Red Stripe” refers to the reddish-brown stripes that appear on the leaves and stems of infected sugarcane plants, which can ultimately result in stunted growth and decreased yields.
Since 1893, when it was first found in Java, the Red Stripe Disease has spread to many places where Sugarcane is grown, such as Australia, India, Africa, and the Americas. The disease has become a major concern for sugarcane producers because it has the potential to cause significant yield and quality losses. Infected plants are more susceptible to diseases, parasites, and environmental stresses like drought and frost.
Red Stripe Management in Sugarcane
Causal Organisms of Red Stripe Disease
Red Stripe Disease is caused by Xanthomonas rubrilineans, a member of the Schizomycetes class, Pseudomonadales order, and the Pseudomonadaceae family. This bacterial disease affects sugarcane crops and causes reddish-brown streaks on the leaves, hindering the plant’s development and productivity.
Disease Cycle of Red Stripe Diseaseย
The Red Stripe Disease disease cycle begins with the dissemination of the bacterium Xanthomonas rubrilineans via wind, rain, and the cutting of infected plants. The bacterial slime dries on the surface, producing a thin, easily dispersed crust. The bacterium then penetrates host plants via natural openings or wounds and establishes itself in numerous tissues, including the xylem.
Infected parenchymatous cells can result in the cessation of normal plant function. The disease can infect other grasses, including ragi and bajra, which may contribute to its persistence and spread. The stem from which the setts are extracted is predominantly devoid of bacterial infection.ย
Causes/Conditions Favorable for Red Stripe Disease in the Fieldย
Red Stripe Disease is transmitted by wind, rain, and cutting, as the stem from which sets are usually harvested. The disease flourishes in moist and humid environments, and its symptoms typically manifest during the reproductive phase of the plant. Environmental factors such as high temperature, relative humidity, leaf moisture, and nitrogen availability can promote disease development. The bacterium invades plant tissue and produces toxins that move through the veins toward the leaf’s apex, causing the characteristic stripe. In Southeast Asia and India, Red Stripe Disease poses a significant hazard to sugarcane production.
Symptoms of Red Stripe Disease
- Chlorotic lesions with dark red stripes (0.5-1.0 mm in breadth and several mm in length) on the leaves, distributed all over the blade or concentrated in the middle.
- Lesions may coalesce, covering large areas of the leaf blade and causing wilting and drying of the leaves.
- On the lower surface of the leaf, dry bacterial ooze appears as whitish flakes, corresponding to the scarlet lesions on the upper surface.
- Young shoots may develop shoot or top rot, with yellow or reddish growing points and dark brown stripes.
- Rotting may commence from the tip and spread downwards.
- Dark red discoloration of tissues may be seen when affected plants are cut by splitting the shoot downwards.
- Cavities may form in the pith region of affected canes, and the vascular bundles may have distinct dark red discoloration.
- Diseased shoots can be easily pulled out and separated from the plant.
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Red Stripe Disease Yield loss in Sugarcane
Red Stripe Disease can reduce sugarcane yield by approximately 15%. Studies reported losses of up to 20% in cane yield and 25% in sugar recovery.
Red Stripe Management in Sugarcane by Cultural Method
- To reduce disease incidence, systematically remove and burn diseased plants whenever the disease is detected.
- Utilizing resistant varieties of Sugarcane is the most effective method of control.
- Sanitation and drainage practices on the field can help prevent the spread of the disease.
- Planting healthy, disease-free seeds can also aid in preventing the spread of disease.
- Using appropriate fertilizers and irrigation to maintain plant health and reduce stress can also aid in preventing disease infection and dissemination.
- Regular field surveillance and early detection can aid in identifying and controlling the disease before it causes significant damage.
Red Stripe Management in Sugarcane by Biological Method
There is no well-defined biological control method for Red Stripe Disease. However, some research has shown that beneficial bacteria and fungi as biocontrol agents can help reduce disease incidence in sugarcane fields.
Red Stripe Management in Sugarcane by Chemical Method
Chemical control of Red Stripe Disease is not an acceptable choice and should only be applied as an alternative or in conjunction with other management strategies. Recommendation: an integrated approach including cultural practices, planting resistant varieties, and biological interventions.
However, foliar applications containing thiophanate methyl can control the disease in cases of severe infection. This fungicide functions by inhibiting the pathogen’s growth and reproduction. The fungicide should be applied according to the recommended rates and intervals, and its impact on non-target organisms and the environment should be minimized.
Red Stripe Management in Sugarcane by Organic/Natural Method
No specific organic or natural methods exist for controlling Red Stripe Disease in Sugarcane. However, using organic fertilizers and amendments, maintaining healthy soil, and promoting beneficial soil microbes can help improve plant health and disease resilience.
Preventive Measures for Control of Red Stripe Disease
Prevention is essential for controlling Red Stripe Disease in Sugarcane. Culturing disease-resistant cultivars and maintaining optimal propagation rates and plant spacing can help reduce disease incidence. Regular field surveillance is essential for early disease detection and preventing its spread.
Nitrogen over-fertilization should be avoided because it can promote disease development. Additionally, intermittent drainage during panicle initiation can aid in disease prevention. A combination of preventive measures, biological remedies, and chemical methods can be utilized for effective disease control. Good agricultural practices, such as appropriate field sanitation, can also aid in preventing the disease’s spread.
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Conclusion
Red Stripe Disease is a serious risk to sugarcane crops, causing yield and sugar recovery losses of up to 25 percent. It can be controlled using cultural, chemical, biological, natural, and organic methods and preventative measures such as cultivating resistant varieties and monitoring fields regularly.
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