# Pervasive challenges of sugarcane wilt disease: insights, dynamics and its impacts in Bihar

Md. Minnatullah, Ajeet Kumar, D.N. Kamat, S.P Singh, C.K. Jha, Piyush Kumar

► To cite this version:

Md. Minnatullah, Ajeet Kumar, D.N. Kamat, S.P Singh, C.K. Jha, et al., Pervasive challenges of sugarcane wilt disease: insights, dynamics and its impacts in Bihar. Sustainable sugarcane production and utilization: Issues and Initiatives, RPCAU, Pusa, Oct 2023, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, India. pp.248-256. [hal-04881502](https://hal.science/hal-04881502v1)

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SOUVENIR CUM EDITED BOOK

Sustainable Sugarcane
Production and Utilization:
Issues and Initiatives

Editors: Navnit Kumar, A.K. Singh, D.N. Kamat, Anil Kumar, Md. Minnatullah, Ajeet Kumar, S.N. Singh, C.K. Jha and Anupam Amitabh

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Annual Group Meet - 2023

All India Coordinated Research Project on Sugarcane
(October 26 – 27, 2023)

Organized by:

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Sugarcane Research Institute
Pusa (Samastipur)- 848125, Bihar
and
ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research
Lucknow - 226 002

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# Sustainable Sugarcane Production and Utilization : Issues and Initiatives

## ANNUAL GROUP MEET
All India Coordinated Research Project on Sugarcane

October 26-27, 2023

Editors

Navnit Kumar

A.K. Singh

D.N. Kamat

Anil Kumar

Md. Minnatullah

Ajeet Kumar

S.N. Singh

C.K. Jha

Anupam Amitabh

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Organized by :

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Sugarcane Research Institute
Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar) - 848 125

and

ICAR - Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research

LUCKNOW - 226 002

Website : https://www.rpcau.ac.in

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# SOUVENIR-CUM-EDITED BOOK

*Sustainable Sugarcane Production and Utilization: Issues and Initiatives*

Annual Group Meet-2023

All India Coordinated Research Project on Sugarcane

October 26-27, 2023

**Patron**

Dr. P.S. Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, RPCAU, Pusa

**Organizing Chairman**

Dr. A.K. Singh, Director, SRI, RPCAU, Pusa

**© RPCAU, Pusa**

Phone No. 06274-4240226

Email: contact@rpcau.ac.in

Website: https://www rpcau ac in

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drPCAUPusa

Twitter: twitter.com/rpcau-pusa

Publication Year : 2023

ISBN No.: 978-81-966957-2-9

**Technical Assistance**

Sri Rajesh Kumar, Sr. Technician, SRI, RPCAU, Pusa

**Citation**

Kumar, N., Singh, A.K., Kamat, D.N., Kumar, A., Minnatullah, Md., Kumar, A., Singh, S.N., Jha, C.K., Amitabh, A. (2023). Sustainable Sugarcane Production and Utilization: Issues and Initiatives (Souvenir-cum-Edited Book). SRI, RPCAU, Pusa-848 125 (Bihar), India, Pp. 1-256.

*Printed by: K. G. Enterprises, Mahendru, Patna-6*
## CONTENT

<table><thead><tr><td>Sl. No.</td><td>Topic</td><td>Author (s)</td><td>Page No.</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1.</td><td>Enhancing Sugarcane Production and Productivity in Bihar: Issues and Initiatives</td><td>A.K. Singh, Navnit Kumar and Lalita Rana</td><td>01 - 10</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Climate Resilient Sugarcane Varieties and their Role in Sustainable Sugarcane Production</td><td>G. Hemaprabha and K. Mohanraj</td><td>11 - 25</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Recommended Sugarcane Varieties of SRI, Pusa for Commercial Cultivation in Bihar</td><td>D.N. Kamat, Minnatullah, Navnit Kumar, Anil Kumar, Dinesh Kumar Singh and A.K. Singh</td><td>26 - 33</td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>Crop Diversification with Sugarcane for Resource Conservation and Profit Maximization</td><td>T. K. Srivastava</td><td>34 - 39</td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>Diversification, Sustainability and Extending Crushing Duration up to 180 days in Sugar Mills of Uttar Pradesh</td><td>Sudhir Kr. Shukla and Sanjeev Kumar Pathak</td><td>40 - 43</td></tr><tr><td>6.</td><td>Enhancing Productivity of Sugarcane under Waterlogged Conditions</td><td>Navnit Kumar, Lalita Rana and A.K Singh</td><td>44 - 48</td></tr><tr><td>7.</td><td>Climate Change and its Effect on Important Sugarcane Diseases</td><td>R. Viswanathan, Chandramani Raj and Shweta Singh</td><td>49 - 78</td></tr><tr><td>8.</td><td>Bacterial Diseases of Sugarcane: Diagnosis, Epidemiology and Management</td><td>Dinesh Singh, Chandramani Raj, Arun Baitha, Shweta Singh, S. K. Gowswami, Sharmila Roy, M. R. Singh, Dinesh Singh, Lalan Sharma and R. Vishwanathan</td><td>79 - 91</td></tr><tr><td>9.</td><td>Diseases of Sugarcane and its Management in Changing Climate Condition under Sub-Tropical India</td><td>Dinesh Singh, Sanjay Yadav, Lalan Sharma, Ajita Singh and Adil Zuber</td><td>92 - 98</td></tr><tr><td>10.</td><td>Biological Control of Sugarcane Borers</td><td>Arun Baitha, M.R.Singh, Sharmila Roy, Dinesh Singh, K.Srinivas, S.K.Goswami, Shweta Singh and Chandramani Raj</td><td>99 - 122</td></tr><tr><td>11.</td><td>Sugarcane Seed Production, Seed Standard and Seed Certification</td><td>D.N. Kamat, Navnit Kumar, Md. Minnatullah, S.K. Sinha, C.K. Jha Ajeet Kumar and A.K. Singh</td><td>123 - 130</td></tr><tr><td>12.</td><td>Beneficial Arthropod Fauna Associated with Sugarcane Ecosystem</td><td>Sharmila Roy and Arun Baitha</td><td>131 - 137</td></tr><tr><td>13.</td><td>Nine Decades of Varietal Development Work at Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa</td><td>Balwant Kumar</td><td>138 - 152</td></tr><tr><td>14.</td><td>Ratoon Stunting Disease: A Silent Threat to Sugarcane in Indian Agriculture</td><td>Chandramani Raj, Shweta Singh, Sanjay K Goswami, Dinesh Singh and R Viswanathan</td><td>153 - 159</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>15.</td><td>Prospective of Sugarcane Wastes for Improving Soil Health and Sustainable Crop Production</td><td>C.K. Jha</td><td>160 - 167</td></tr><tr><td>16.</td><td>Climate Change and its Impact on Sugarcane Insect Pests of Bihar</td><td>Anil Kumar, Vishwajeet and Sidh Nath Singh</td><td>168 - 176</td></tr><tr><td>17.</td><td>Beneficial Microorganisms in Sugarcane Production</td><td>Geeta Kumari, Aman Jaiswal, Viabhav Kr. Upadhayay, Jyostnarani Pradhan and Navnit Kumar</td><td>177 - 184</td></tr><tr><td>18.</td><td>Strategies for Enhancing Sugarcane Yields by Harnessing the Power of Ripening and the Use of Ripeners in Sugarcane cultivation</td><td>Ajeet Kumar, Sunita Kumari Meena, S.K. Sinha and A.K. Singh</td><td>185 - 196</td></tr><tr><td>19.</td><td>Mineral Nutrition in Sugarcane: A Deep Dive into Nutrient-Driven Disease Resistance</td><td>S.K. Sinha, Ajeet Kumar, Minnatullah and A.K. Singh</td><td>197 - 201</td></tr><tr><td>20.</td><td>Applications of Remote Sensing in Sugarcane Cultivation</td><td>Sumit Sow and Navnit Kumar</td><td>202 - 206</td></tr><tr><td>21.</td><td>Agribusiness Potential of Sugarcane in Bihar</td><td>Shiva Pujan Singh, Minnatullah, S. K. Sameer, Ritambra Singh and A. R. Shravanthi</td><td>207 - 210</td></tr><tr><td>22.</td><td>Weed Seed Bank Influenced by Soil Fertilization and Crop Residue Retention in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)</td><td>Lalita Rana, Navnit Kumar, Sunita Kumari Meena, Anil Kumar and A.K. Singh</td><td>211 - 214</td></tr><tr><td>23.</td><td>Management of Red Rot of Sugarcane through SAR Molecules</td><td>Gedela Venkata Hima Sameera, S.N. Singh and Anil Kumar</td><td>215 - 220</td></tr><tr><td>24.</td><td>Income and Employment Generation through Sugarcane Production &amp; Processing Model</td><td>A. Amitabh, A. K. Singh and Navnit Kumar</td><td>221 - 224</td></tr><tr><td>25.</td><td>Strategies for Effective Fertilization and Nutrient Management in Sugarcane: Integrated Nutrient Management</td><td>Sunita Kumari Meena, Ajeet Kumar, Lalita Rana, S. N. Suman, A. K. Singh</td><td>225 - 234</td></tr><tr><td>26.</td><td>Innovative Techniques of Sugarcane Seed Multiplication and Seed Certification</td><td>Balwant Kumar and Navnit Kumar</td><td>235 - 247</td></tr><tr><td>27.</td><td>Pervasive Challenge of Sugarcane Wilt Disease : Insights, Dynamics and its Impacts in Bihar</td><td>Minatullah, Ajeet Kumar, D. N. Kamat, Shiva Pujan Singh, C. K. Jha and Piyush Kumar</td><td>248 - 256</td></tr></table>

* * *
# Pervasive Challenge of Sugarcane Wilt Disease : Insights, Dynamics and its Impacts in Bihar

Minnatullah, Ajeet Kumar, D. N. Kamat, Shiva Pujan Singh C.K. Jha and Piyush Kumar

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur

## Abstract

Sugarcane (*Saccharum officinarum* L.) is a member of the Poaceae family and stands as a significant agro-industrial crop. Presently, sugarcane cultivation engages approximately 123.4 lakh farmers and farmworkers. In Bihar, the presence of sugarcane diseases such as red rot, wilt, pokkah boeng, smut, sett rot, damping off, ratoon stunting, grassy shoot, yellow leaf disease, mosaic etc have been reported. These diseases not only reduce crop yields but also deteriorate the quality of cane juice, resulting in significant losses for both cane growers and mill owners. Among these, sugarcane wilt disease has become severe in various locations across Bihar in recent years. The research findings confirmed *Fusarium sacchari* as the primary causative agent of sugarcane wilt. Wilt disease in sugarcane exhibits a spectrum of symptoms characterized by the gradual yellowing and drying of leaves on affected stalks, typically initiating in 4-5-month-old sugarcane plants. As the disease progresses, it results in complete desiccation of plants, leading to hollow stalks and the loss of viable canes for milling. Tissue discoloration and the formation of boat-shaped cavities, can be observed. Sugarcane wilt disease resulted in a reduction in sett germinability (40.2% - 50.1%), the number of millable cane (39.9% - 50.9%), cane yield (45.12% - 51.2%), juice content (10.0% - 14.9%), brix levels (31.4% - 44.8%) and purity (12.9% - 25.7%). During 2020 - 2023, diseases including red rot, wilt, pokkah boeng, smut, leaf spot, YLD and ratoon stunting were identified. Notably, the diseases red rot and wilt have emerged as particularly serious concerns in Bihar. Recently, there has been an upward trend in wilt incidence in various sugarcane varieties cultivated in Bihar, including Co 0238, Co 0118, Co 0233, Co 0235, CoH 160, CoH 167, BO 141, CoPant 97222, Co 92006, CoV 92102, CoSe 95422 and BO 147. Over the past three years, wilt incidence has been recorded at various mill locations of Bihar. Under Riga 33.33%, Gopalganj 15.0%, Sugauli 14.16%, Majhaulia 31.66%, Sidhwalia 23.66%, Narkatiaganj 14.16%, Kalyanpur Farm 45.0%, Harinagar 12.5% and Hasanpur 12.5%. Furthermore, flood and waterlogging situations pose significant challenge in cane growing belt of Bihar. The impact of sugarcane wilt has led to the destruction of many popular varieties. Therefore, breeding disease resistant sugarcane varieties is the most effective approach to disease management. It is advisable to discourage monoculturing and practice crop rotation with green manure crops. Soil amendment with boric acid and sett treatment with Carbendazim and application of bioagents decreases wilt incidence. In essence, balanced mineral nutrition is the linchpin in defending sugarcane from diseases.

**Keywords:**- Pervasive, Sugarcane, Wilt, Insights, Dynamics and Impacts

## Introduction:

Sugarcane (*Saccharum officinarum* L.) is a member of the Poaceae family and stands as a significant agro-industrial crop. It originates from the warm temperate and tropical regions of India, Southeast Asia and New Guinea. Sugarcane is a cash crop that provides immediate financial returns to farmers. This crop is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical climates, occupying an extensive 5 million hectares of land. Presently, sugarcane cultivation engages approximately 123.4 lakh farmers and farmworkers (Ram and Hemaprabha, 2020). It plays a pivotal role by contributing around 80% to the global sucrose production, amounting to a
remarkable annual value of approximately US$150 billion (Ali et al., 2019). Sugarcane stands as the primary source of both sugar and ethanol on a global scale and serving as a crucial source of raw materials for numerous other by-products. In India, the sugar industry ranks as the second-largest agro-industry. Its primary uses include the production of jaggery (gur) and sugar. Additionally, it serves as a source for extracting juice (raswanti) and syrup and is even chewed for its sweetness.

Notably, India and Brazil collectively account for approximately half of the world's cane sugar production (Clayton et al., 2001). Brazil is the leading producer of sugarcane, followed by India, China, Mexico and Thailand. The annual production of sugarcane averages around 35.5 crore tonnes, which serves as the raw material for generating approximately 3 crore tonnes of sugar. In the year 2020-21, domestic consumption is estimated to have reached around 2.6 crore tonnes (A&FM, economic survey 2021-2022). In India, basically two agro-climatic zones these are Tropical zone (south India) and Sub-tropical zone (North India). The leading state in sugarcane production is Uttar Pradesh in sub-tropical zone having cultivated area of 21.77 lakh hectares with the production of 177.43 million tonnes and cane productivity of 81.5 tonnes per hectare. In tropical-zone Maharashtra is on first position having cultivated area of 12.32 lakh hectares with production of 113.37 lakh tonnes and cane productivity of 92.0 tonnes per hectare. Bihar is on fifth position in production of cane in India. In Bihar, it is cultivated in an area of 2.11 lakh hectares with production of 13.97 million tonnes and productivity of 66.25 tonnes per hectare (E&S, DAC, New Delhi, 2021-2022).

Across the globe, over 125 diseases affecting sugarcane, brought about by fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasma and nematodes, have been reported (Rott et al., 2000). In India, over 50, various diseases striking sugarcane crops on different occasions (Viswanathan and Rao., 2011). Sugarcane faces various significant diseases like Red rot, wilt, pokkah boeng, sett rot, smut, damping off, red stripe, ratoon stunting, grassy shoot, yellow leaf, rust etc. These diseases occur at different times and with differing levels of severity. In Bihar, more than 15 sugarcane diseases caused by diverse pathogen groups have been reported. These diseases not only reduce crop yields but also deteriorate the quality of cane juice, resulting in significant losses for both cane growers and mill owners. In Bihar, the presence of sugarcane diseases such as red rot, wilt, pokkah boeng, smut, sett rot, damping off, ratoon stunting, grassy shoot, yellow leaf disease, mosaic etc have been reported. Among these, sugarcane wilt disease has become severe in various locations across Bihar in recent years. This disease affects all stages of the crop's growth, from germination to maturity, thriving in favorable weather conditions for its emergence and spread.

In India, wilt of sugarcane is a complex and severe disease which causes significant crop losses in terms of economic losses next to the red rot disease. Wilt epidemics in the early decades of the last century led to the extinction of numerous commercial sugarcane varieties (Kirtikar et al., 1972; Agnihotri and Rao, 2002). The disease was initially reported in 1906 by Dr. E. J. Butler in the country (Butler, 1906) and subsequently, its presence has been consistently reported across the nation. In India, the pathogen was initially localized primarily in North India, particularly in Bihar, for an extended period between 1940 and 1945. However, it has been reported in regions including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and consequently covered most of sugarcane growing states. According to Viswanathan's findings in 2018, fields ready for harvest displayed a presence of 10-15% dried canes and out of these, approximately 50% were affected by wilt disease. In recent years, high disease severity was noticed in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Bihar, M.P, U.P, Punjab, Haryana etc (Viswanathan, 2020).

Previously, *Cephalosporium sacchari* was identified as the associated pathogen by Butler and Khan, 1913. Wilt of sugarcane, caused by *Fusarium moniliforme* var. *subglutinans*, results in significant quantitative and qualitative losses. These losses have adverse impacts on sugarcane production and the
sugar industries (Esh et al., 2010). Numerous reports have documented the association of various species of *Fusarium* and *Acremonium* with sugarcane wilt on different occasions in India (Agnihotri, 1983; Agnihotri and Rao, 2002). However, due to the absence of comprehensive studies on the reproduction of disease symptoms and the fulfillment of Koch's postulates for this disease, Viswanathan conducted extensive pathogenicity investigations on *Fusarium* strains linked to wilt. The research findings confirmed *Fusarium sacchari* as the primary causative agent of sugarcane wilt (Viswanathan et al., 2011).

**Symptoms:**

Wilt disease in sugarcane exhibits a spectrum of symptoms characterized by the gradual yellowing and drying of leaves on affected stalks, typically initiating in 4-5-month-old sugarcane plants. As the disease progresses, it results in complete desiccation of plants, leading to hollow stalks and the loss of viable canes for milling. Externally, affected canes show signs of withering and are susceptible to breaking at varying points, influenced by the severity of the infection. The disease tends to be more severe in fields facing stress conditions, whether originating from biotic or abiotic factors. Internally, distinct symptoms become evident upon longitudinal splitting of the diseased stalks. Notably, the pith tissue, particularly in the lower internodes, acquires a purplish-brown coloration, while various shades of pinkish-red or brownish-red tissue discoloration manifest within the internodes. This pronounced tissue discoloration at the nodes is attributed to the extensive branching of fungal hyphae immediately above the growth ring. Vascular tissues present as dark reddish-brown streaks running through the internodal tissues from one internode to the next. Distinguishing it from red rot infection caused by *Colletotrichum falcatum*, wilt affected canes do not emit foul odors and white spots within the internodal tissues are absent. Nevertheless, moisture loss triggers internodal tissue shrinkage, resulting in the development of longitudinal, spindle-shaped cavities within the internode centers. These patterns of tissue discoloration and cavity formation serve as distinctive and diagnostic indicators of the disease. Initially, the roots of affected plants may not exhibit visible symptoms, but they deteriorate progressively, with the vascular bundles in the shoots eventually turning brown as the stalks perish. In some instances, wilted canes may exhibit tunnels created by root borers, often containing larvae, primarily in lower internodes. In the affected stalk, characteristic diagnostic symptoms of the disease, such as tissue discoloration and the formation of boat-shaped cavities, can be observed (Viswanathan et al., 2021).

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /><figcaption>Splitted canes affected with wilt disease of sugarcane</figcaption></figure>

**Impact of wilt disease in sugarcane:**

Wilt disease in sugarcane has severe economic repercussions, manifesting in post-harvest losses ranging from 2 to 10 tonnes per hectare and occasionally soaring to 65%, with ratoon crops being more susceptible (Sarma, 1976). The pathogen's impact extends to juice quality, causing reduced sucrose content and elevated levels of reducing sugars, gums, titrable acidity, flavonoids and soluble salts (Singh and Waraitch, 1981). Consequently, white sugar processing in mills faces challenges, resulting in a 14.6% to 25.8% reduction in juice extraction and a 3% to 20% decrease in sugar recovery (Gupta and Gupta, 1976). Even a 6% disease incidence in cultivars Co 658 and Co 449 led to a significant 9.97% reduction in sugar

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>
recovery (Subba Raja and Natarajan, 1972). Wilt fungus, when intertwined with sugarcane insect pests like stalk borers and scale insects, inflicts substantial crop damage. In the case of stalk borers, losses can reach 8.75 tonnes per hectare (Kulshreshtha and Avasthy, 1959). With a mean incidence of 51.4% in the stalk borer-wilt complex, it was recorded a 24.9% decline in cane weight (Singh, 1973). The variety Co 1148 experienced nearly 90% wilt incidence alongside stalk borers, rendering it unfit for milling (Waraitch, 1981). Conservatively, losses of 3-6 tonnes per hectare translate to an annual loss of 12.7-25.4 million tonnes and entail substantial monetary losses in India (Viswanathan et al., 2006). Beyond farmer production losses, the sugar industry grapples with unaccounted losses stemming from reduced recoverable sugar in mills, a recurring issue. A well-established synergy between red rot and wilt pathogens, with wilt exacerbating red rot susceptibility, further compounds the problem (Viswanathan, 2010, 2013). Sanjeev et al., (2015) observed that sugarcane wilt disease resulted in a reduction in sett germinability (40.2% - 50.1%), the number of millable cane (39.9% - 50.9%), cane yield (45.12% - 51.2%), juice content (10.0% - 14.9%), brix levels (31.4% - 44.8%) and purity (12.9% - 25.7%). Mill tests conducted in Motihari, East Champaran, Bihar, revealed a 9.97% decrease in sugar recovery when the crop had a 6% incidence of the disease. In Motipur, the sugar recovery was lower by 10.61% with 13% of the canes affected (Viswanathan et al., 2012). The co-occurrence of wilt with red rot, stalk borers, or root borers renders crops unsuitable for milling. Moreover, wilt- induced losses often remain unnoticed in the field, as pathogen infection occurs during the crop's maturity stage, only becoming apparent at harvest. This results in crops being harvested as seemingly healthy, yet still affected by the disease. In Bihar, during 2019 - 2022, observations were made over 20 diseases affecting crops. Among these, significant diseases including red rot, wilt, pokkah boeng, smut, leaf spot and ratoon stunting were identified. Notably, the diseases red rot and wilt have emerged as particularly serious concerns in Bihar (Minnatullah et al., 2022). Variations in disease severity, ranging from traces to as high as 75%, were observed across different states in the country (Viswanathan et al., 2006). Recently, there has been an upward trend in wilt incidence in various sugarcane varieties cultivated in Bihar, including Co 0238, Co 0118, Co 0233, Co 0235, CoH 160, CoH 167, BO 141, Co Pant 97222, Co 92006, CoV 92102, CoSe 95422 and BO 147 (Minnatullah and Shiva Pujan Singh, 2021).

**Transmission:**

Infected planting materials such as setts and crop residues in the soil serve as the main sources of *Fusarium sacchari* spread in the field due to the pathogen inoculum they contain. Additionally, *Fusarium sacchari* can persist in the soil for a period ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 years. The secondary spread from one field to another typically occurs through rainfall and irrigation water. Nevertheless, it's crucial to emphasize that the primary sources of the pathogen inoculum are particularly significant in perpetuating and facilitating the spread of the disease within the field. When the inoculum originates from both setts and soil, the disease severity tends to be higher compared to when it comes from a single source. Since sugarcane is a long-duration crop, often involving ratooning, soil-borne inoculum plays a critical role in initiating pathogen infections in both the initial plant and subsequent ratoon crops. However, the expression and severity of the disease are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors in the field. In addition to individual *Fusarium sacchari* infections, combined infections of *Fusarium sacchari* and *Colletotrichum falcatum*, leading to red rot, have been observed in field conditions in different states of India (Viswanathan et al., 2006). This observation suggests that the presence of *Colletotrichum falcatum* weakens the host plant, making it more susceptible to *Fusarium sacchari* infection. Simasalit (1996) also identified "red rot wilt" as a major sugarcane disease in Thailand. In Indian situations, where root borer infestations, such as *Emmalocera depressella*, are severe, there have been reports of increased wilt infections. Additionally, apart from root borers (Agnihotri and Singh, 1989), the association of scale insects and stalk borers has been
reported to exacerbate wilt infections. Furthermore, other biotic agents, including pathogens causing ratoon
stunting, red stripe and leaf scald, have been found to promote wilt disease (Viswanathan, 2013). Under
abiotic factors, it's important to note that the wilt pathogen can survive in the soil and any damage to the
underground portion of the stalk can facilitate its entry into the plant. The incidence of wilt tends to increase
under certain conditions, such as moisture stress during the summer months. This stress is often
accompanied by high day time temperatures and low humidity levels, which create favorable conditions for
the disease to thrive. Drought conditions both before and after inoculation significantly impact the severity
of wilt and different sugarcane varieties respond differently to these stress conditions, even when not
exposed to the pathogen. It's worth mentioning that there is a considerable variation in symptom
development, with the highest variability observed under normal conditions, followed by drought
(Viswanathan et al., 2012, 2015). Furthermore, severe waterlogging is another abiotic factor that can lead to
a serious outbreak of the disease, particularly in the tropical region.

Nutrient-Driven Disease Resistance

Sugarcane is primary cash crop for farmers, influencing the state's industrial trajectory. However, diseases threaten its yield, leading to an average loss of 20%. Strengthening sugarcane defence primarily hinges on balanced plant nutrition. Crucial nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Manganese, Silicon, and Nickel play diverse roles in optimizing plant health and resistance against diseases. Nitrogen, pivotal in enzymes and proteins, affects disease development, but excess levels can foster susceptibility to ailments like *Pythium* diseases and *Botrytis blight*. Phosphorus, vital for energy transfers and cell division, generally amplifies disease when in excess. Its role intertwines with beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance plant health and disease resistance. Potassium significantly affects insect and disease resistance, while Calcium and Magnesium concentrations in plants determine their resilience against parasitic diseases. Sulphur's key role lies in activating plants' inherent resistance to fungi and it also directly combats certain pathogens. Micronutrients like Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper and others play intricate roles in bolstering plant defenses, often by acting as enzyme activators or cofactors. Chlorine, though not universally required by plants, can curtail diseases in chloride-resistant plants. Silicon, another crucial element, enhances resistance against specific diseases and insects when adequately present in plants. In essence, balanced mineral nutrition is the linchpin in defending sugarcane from diseases. An amalgamation of optimized fertilizer management, comprehensive knowledge of soil properties, plant nutrients and pest resistance is essential for bolstering sugarcane yields and fostering sustainable agricultural production. Emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between plant nutrition and resistance to pests and diseases can potentially revolutionize the approach to sustainable sugarcane cultivation.

Survey:

Over the past three years, wilt incidence has been recorded at various mill locations of Bihar. In the 2020-21 planting season, Riga exhibited a wilt incidence ranging from 20-70%, while Gopalganj recorded rates between 5-20%, Sugauli at 5-30%, Sidhwalia at 2-40%, Majhaulia at 30-50%, Narkatiaganj at 10-20%, Kalyanpur at 40-55%, Harinagar at 10-15% and Hasanpur at 15-20%. In the following year, 2021-2022, wilt incidence percentages varied with Riga at 5-60%, Sidhwalia at 20-40%, Harinagar at 10-15%, Gopalganj at 5-35%, Majhaulia at 20-60%, Narkatiaganj at 5-20%, Sugauli at 5-30%, Kalyanpur at 25-30% and Hasanpur at 5-10%. During 2022-23 planting season, Riga exhibited wilt incidence rates of 5-40%, Narkatiyaganj at 10-20%, Sidhwalia at 10-30%, Hasanpur at 10-15%, Harinagar at 10-15%, Gopalganj at 10-15%, Sugauli at 5-10%, Majhuaulia at 10-20% and Kalyanpur at 60%, as indicated in Table 1.1.

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>
<table><thead><tr><th colspan="3">2020-2021</th><th colspan="3">2021-2022</th><th colspan="3">2022-2023</th></tr><tr><th>Variety</th><th>Incidence %</th><th>Location</th><th>Variety</th><th>Incidence %</th><th>Location</th><th>Variety</th><th>Incidence %</th><th>Location</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Co0118</td><td>05-20</td><td>Gopalganj</td><td>Co0238</td><td>20-40</td><td>Sidhwalia</td><td>Co0238</td><td>15-30</td><td>Riga (Barahi)</td></tr><tr><td>CoP 2061</td><td>05</td><td>Gopalganj</td><td>Co0238</td><td>20-40</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co0238</td><td>30-40</td><td>Riga (Gopalpur)</td></tr><tr><td>Co0118</td><td>05-10</td><td>Sugauli</td><td>CoH160</td><td>10-50</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co0118</td><td>05-10</td><td>Riga (Barahi)</td></tr><tr><td>Co0238</td><td>05-30</td><td>Sugauli</td><td>CoH167</td><td>10-60</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co0118</td><td>10-15</td><td>Riga (Gopalpur)</td></tr><tr><td>Co0238</td><td>30-50</td><td>Majhaulia</td><td>CoJ85</td><td>05-10</td><td>Riga</td><td>CoH160</td><td>30-40</td><td>Riga (Rebari)</td></tr><tr><td>Co0238</td><td>30-40</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co 98014</td><td>05-07</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-15</td><td>Narkatiaganj (Katsikri)</td></tr><tr><td>CoH167</td><td>20-50</td><td>Riga</td><td>BO141</td><td>05-10</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co0238</td><td>15-20</td><td>Narkatiaganj (Hardi)</td></tr><tr><td>CoH160</td><td>50-70</td><td>Riga</td><td>Pv 92</td><td>05-10</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co0238</td><td>20-25</td><td>Sidhwalia (Mirzapur)</td></tr><tr><td>Co0233</td><td>30-40</td><td>Riga</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-15</td><td>Harinagar</td><td>Co0238</td><td>25-30</td><td>Sidhwalia(Bala)</td></tr><tr><td>Co0118</td><td>07-10</td><td>Sidhwalia</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-35</td><td>Gopalganj</td><td>Co0238</td><td>15-20</td><td>Sidhwalia (Bishnupur)</td></tr><tr><td>Co0238</td><td>30-40</td><td>Sidhwalia</td><td>Co0238</td><td>20-60</td><td>Majhaulia</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-15</td><td>Sidhwalia (Buchia)</td></tr><tr><td>CoP 2061</td><td>02-05</td><td>Sidhwalia</td><td>Co0238</td><td>05-20</td><td>Narkatiaganj</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-15</td><td>Hasanpur</td></tr><tr><td>Co0238</td><td>10-20</td><td>Narkatiaganj</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-30</td><td>Sugauli</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-15</td><td>Harinagar</td></tr><tr><td>CoV 92102</td><td>40-55</td><td>Kalyanpur</td><td>Co0238</td><td>05-10</td><td>Hasanpur</td><td>CoV 92102</td><td>Upto60</td><td>Kalyanpur</td></tr><tr><td>Co0238</td><td>10-15</td><td>Harinagar</td><td>Co0118</td><td>05-08</td><td>Sugauli</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-15</td><td>Gopalganj</td></tr><tr><td>Co0238</td><td>15-20</td><td>Hasanpur</td><td>CoP 2061</td><td>05-07</td><td>Gopalganj</td><td>Co0238</td><td>05-10</td><td>Sugauli</td></tr><tr><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>CoV 92102</td><td>25-30</td><td>Kalyanpur</td><td>Co0238</td><td>10-20</td><td>Majhaulia</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /><figcaption>Figure1.1 : Status of sugarcane wilt disease incidence percentage at different locations of Bihar over past three year (2020-2023)</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_18.png" /><figcaption>Map1: Map showing wilt disease incidence under different sugarfactories of Bihar over past three years, (2020-2023).</figcaption></figure>

**Management :**

Productivity in subtropical regions remains low due to prolonged winters and a shorter growing season compared to tropical regions. Additionally, flood and waterlogging situations pose significant challenges in Bihar. The impact of sugarcane wilt disease has led to the destruction of many popular varieties in Bihar. Therefore, breeding disease resistant sugarcane varieties is the most effective approach to disease management. Healthy seed canes are vital for disease control, preventing pathogen spread and also using wilt resistant varieties is cost-effective and eco-friendly. Disease risk rises in ratoon crops, so early harvesting and avoiding ratooning is advised. The monoculture of sugarcane over large areas creates a suitable environment for the buildup of pathogens. To prevent this, it is advisable to practice crop rotation with green manure crops. In disease prone regions, sugarcane is often rotated with paddy. Additionally, companion cropping of sugarcane with coriander has proven effective in reducing wilt disease. Susceptibility to wilt occurs with waterlogging, drought and borer pests. It's crucial to take proper measures to mitigate these abiotic stresses.

Wilt incidence in field conditions can be significantly reduced by applying 40 ppm of boron or manganese to wilt affected soils or treating the setts. Soil amendment with 15 kg of boric acid per hectare and sett treatment with Carbendazim (0.1%), substantially decreases wilt incidence and the pathogen population. To manage root borer infestations, applying Chloropyriphos 20EC or Fipronil at 1.5 kg of active ingredient per hectare during the last week of August, is effective. Treating setts with fungicide carbendazim (0.1% w/v) overnight before planting results in better germination rates exceeding 20%. Sett treatment with carbendazim (0.1%) effectively controls wilt disease (Viswanathan and Padmanaban, 2008). Hot water treatment at 50°C for two hours is effective (Srinivasan and Rao, 1968). Among the eight tested fungicides against the wilt pathogen, sett treatment with Bavistin was the most effective in improving germination and reducing the spread of wilt infection (Gohil and Vala, 2003).

The application of *Trichoderma* culture, at a rate of 10 kg per hectare with 7 CFU (Colony Forming Units) per 10 grams, can provide significant benefits. Bhatti and Chohan (1970) demonstrated wilt suppression using *Bacillus* and *Streptomyces* antagonists. *Trichoderma harzianum* isolates Th1 and Th2, obtained from sugarcane in Coimbatore, effectively combat *Fusarium sacchari*. Applying a 1 kg/3 m row diluted *Trichoderma* talc formulation in cured farmyard manure during planting significantly reduces wilt

<figure><img src="image_19.png" /></figure>
(Viswanathan *et al*., 2014). Studies involving biosurfactant producing *Rhamnolipid Pseudomonas aeruginosa* revealed the inhibitory nature of the biosurfactant against *Fusarium sacchari* (Goswami *et al*., 2014). *Pseudomonas* formulation was also found to be effective in controlling seedling rot caused by *Pythium spp.* in sugarcane. Additionally, *Pseudomonas* treatment in the nursery trays significantly improved the vigour of the seedlings. Jena and Panigrahi (2017) conducted tests on *Trichoderma* isolates against sugarcane wilt and identified that various *Trichoderma* species exhibited antagonistic activity against *Fusarium moniliforme*. Notably, *Trichoderma viride* demonstrated complete inhibition of *Fusarium moniliforme*.

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