Disease Management in Sugarcane Crop using UAL Organic Based Products

Sugarcane is not only a cash crop for the growers, but it is the main source of white crystal sugar. Many constraints affecting sugarcane production lead to severe loss. Among the various constraints diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, viral and phytoplasma pathogens pose serious challenges to cane cultivation. Indiscriminate use of chemicals may lead to residual effect and pathogens may get resistance against the chemical. To tackle this issue, biopesticides are the best solution for it. 

List of Diseases

1. Red rot
2. Rust
3. Wilt

1. Red rot

Scientific name: Glomerella tucumanensis

Most Affected Plant Part: Stems and midribs of leaves

Symptoms of  Red rot Disease

• In the third or fourth leaf, the affected canes show a change in color from green to orange and finally yellow. The leaves then begin to dry from the bottom to the top.
• The opposite side of the leaf midrib will also have red streaks when the fungal spores penetrate the leaf sheath through it.
• It takes a further ten days for the entire cane to dry out following infection, and external symptoms do not show up for another 16 to 21 days.
• The internal section of the affected cane is reddish in color with intermittent white tinges running the length of the cane when it is split open.
• The pith within the cane occasionally has a liquid that is dark brown in color and smells like alcohol.

Control Measures (Biological)

Prophylactic

Curative

2. Wilt

Scientific name:  Fusarium sacchari

Most Affected Plant Part: Stems and midribs of leaves

Symptoms of  Wilt Disease

• After the plant grows for roughly four to five months, the disease’s initial symptoms appear.
• Next, the foliage gradually begins to yellow and dry, and the canes start to shrink and wither.
• Light to dark reddish or brown discoloration of ground tissue, pithiness, and boat-shaped cavities in the middle of the internodes are all symptoms of the disease if the affected canes are cut and examined.
• An unpleasant odor is also associated with this disease.
• In the pith region, a cottony white mycelium is observed.

Control Measures (Biological)

Prophylactic

Curative

3. Rust

Scientific name: Puccinia erianthi

Most Affected Plant Part: Stems and midribs of leaves

Symptoms of Rust Disease

• Small, elongated yellowish spots that are visible on both leaf surfaces are the initial symptoms.
• These spots grow longer and change color from brown to orange-brown or red-brown.
• Eventually, they coalesce and form large, irregular necrotic areas, giving the leaf a rusty appearance.
• Ultimately, this led to the premature death of the leaves.

Control Measures (Biological)

Prophylactic

Curative

Products

Biopesticides are more eco-friendly than conventional pesticides because they are pesticides that are obtained from natural sources, such as microorganisms, plants, oils, and minerals. They are safer, more specific, and more biodegradable than synthetic pesticides. They usually affect only the target pest and closely related organisms, unlike broad spectrum, conventional pesticides that may harm organisms as well as birds, insects, and mammals. For sugarcane crops, biopesticides can be used to control various pests. Biopesticides can also improve the soil quality and crop productivity of sugarcane. Here are the best organic products from the UAL brand.

1. Zymo Bioguard WLT6040
2. Zymo Thymox
3. Zymo Max Spread
4. Xymo Biofert
5. Zymo Canemax

1. Zymo Bioguard WLT6040: The product is available in powder form and it contains NON-GMO Biologicals, Proteolytic Biocatalysts, Stabilizers, Bioenhancers.

• Increases Soil Microbial Activity, proliferates good soil aerobic microbes in root zone with adequate nutrients & denies food for anaerobic pathogens finally induces SAR.
• Zymo Biogourd  WLT6040 + Zymo Max Spread  manages wilt diseases in a prophylactic way. Recommended dose is 2g/lit, if disease is severe can take a second spray at 3-5 weeks intervals. 
• Zymo Biogourd WLT6040 + Xymo Biologique+ Zymo Max Spread applied for the same diseases as curative, if necessary take 2-3 spray at 5-7 days intervals.

2. Zymo Thymox :It is a concentrated broad spectrum organic fungi & bacteria controlling agent.

• Product contains a selective combination of Botanical extracts concentrate, Plant oils, Stabilizers & Excipients.
• Zymo Thymox + Zymo Max Spread are sprayed as both preventive and curative measure, if the diseases are in a severe stage take 2-3 spray at an interval of 5-7 days @  1 to 2 ml/lit.

3. Xymo Max Spread: This is available in liquid form, which is helpful for uniform spreading of biopesticide on sprayed area and is a Non-ionic organosilicone & excipient. 

• This can also be used for all crops. It breaks down the surface tension of water and increases the wetting and spreading of a spray solution.
• Xymo Max Spread can use red rot and rust diseases of sugarcane at a rate of 0.10 ml/lit.

4. Xymo Biofert: This is a micronutrient which is available in powder form. The Product contains Biostimulants, Soil Conditioners, Bio-based Minerals. 

• Major benefits of Xymo Biofert are, it maximizes seed germination & growth during the plant’s important development phase and increases the CEC of Soil, improves soil health by increasing phosphorus absorption and adsorbing and storing potassium ions.
• This also Stimulates growth and proliferation of desirable soil microbes, algae and yeast
• Xymo Biofert is recommended for growth and development of crops as a nutrient supplement. 

5. Zymo Canemax : Zymo canemax is a powder form product that is used as a soil enhancer in areas    where sugarcane crops are grown. It has soil enhancers such as Non-GMO soil probiotics, prebiotics, stabilizers, macro & micro-nutrients. 

• Zymo CaneMax Boosts the population of soil microflora. 
• Zymo CaneMax Speeds up the breakdown of Organic Matter. 
• Zymo CaneMax Increases the amount of HUMUS / CARBON in the soil.

Certification: UAL is a visionary and mission-driven company that aims to be among the most admired global organizations by providing eco-sustainable bio-solutions for its target sectors through innovation, imagination, and differentiated customer service. UAL manufactures and markets organic bio-solutions under the brand names ZYMO® and XYMO® series, which are certified by various international and national standards for organic agriculture, such as EU, JAS, NOP, and NPOP. These certifications ensure that UAL products are safe, natural, and eco-friendly, and meet the stringent requirements of organic farming.