# Mineral Nutrition in Sugarcane: A Deep Dive into Nutrient-Driven Disease Resistance

S.K. Sinha, Ajeet Kumar, Md. Minnatullah, A.K. Singh

► To cite this version:

S.K. Sinha, Ajeet Kumar, Md. Minnatullah, A.K. Singh. Mineral Nutrition in Sugarcane: A Deep Dive into Nutrient-Driven Disease Resistance. Sustainable sugarcane production and utilization: Issues and Initiatives, RPCAU, Pusa, Oct 2023, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, India. pp.197-201. hal-04881492

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Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
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>

* * *
# Mineral Nutrition in Sugarcane :
A Deep Dive into Nutrient-Driven Disease Resistance

S.K. Sinha, Ajeet Kumar, Minnatullah and A.K. Singh

Sugarcane Research Institute

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University,
Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India

## Abstract

Sugarcane, a staple cash crop for many farmers, steers the industrial trajectory of various regions. However, diseases jeopardizing its yield cannot be overlooked. The fortification of sugarcane against such adversities primarily lies in balanced plant nutrition. 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 defences, 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. Defending sugarcane from diseases hinges significantly on balanced mineral nutrition. The amalgamation of optimum fertilizer management, an in-depth understanding of soil properties, knowledge about plant nutrients, and pest resistance is the cornerstone of enhancing yields and promoting sustainable agriculture. By underscoring the symbiotic relationship between plant nutrition and resistance to pests and diseases, we can pave the way for a holistic and revolutionary approach to sustainable sugarcane cultivation. As stakeholders, embracing this integrated approach can transform sugarcane farming, ensuring both profitability and environmental sustainability.

## Introduction

Sugarcane serves as the primary cash crop for farmers and plays a vital role in the industrial growth of the state. On average, sugarcane experiences a 20% loss in yield due to diseases. The key to bolstering its defence lies in optimizing plant nutrition. Any imbalance or excess of essential nutrients can heighten the plant's susceptibility to both diseases and pests. The critical nutrients recognized for their influence on the incidence of pests and diseases in plants include:

* Nitrogen form

* Phosphorus

* Potassium

* Calcium

* Magnesium

* Sulphur

* Chlorine

* Manganese

* Silicon

* Nickel

## Nitrogen:

Nitrogen is the fourth most abundant element in plant and is an essential component of amino acids, enzymes, hormones, phenolics, phytoalexins, and proteins, all of which can have direct effects on disease development. Nitrogen is available as the oxidized anion $NO_3^-$ or the reduced cation $NH_4^+$ and the form can affect the uptake of other elements. Most plants can use either form, but due to phytotoxicity associated with
NH₃ N, especially with seedlings, mostly apply N in the NO₃⁻ N form. However, excess nitrate can increase *Pythium* diseases by increasing salt stress and increase *Botrytis blight* by promoting green and succulent tissue. An excess of nitrogen tends to produce weak, fast growing plants that are very susceptible to insects and disease damage. Most damping off disease occur due to excess nitrogen, high nitrogen encourages *botrytis* in plants that would normally be resistant to it. The form the nitrogen is supplied to plants, have a major effect on disease resistance. Nitrogen can be absorbed by plants in the reduced NH₃ form or the oxidized NO₃⁻ form. NH₃ reduces pH while NO₃⁻ increases pH. Diseases react differently to the N-form. Nitrate suppresses *Fusarium* wilts and *Rhizoctonia* root rots while ammonium suppresses most other soil borne diseases. Additional N applications near the end of the growing season lead to a higher incidence of eyespot disease (*Helminthosporium sacchari*), and high N rates may promote susceptibility to top rot disease caused by *Fusarium moniliforme*. The too much application of nitrogen caused infestations with white top borer (*Sciropaghaga auriflua*) and the stalk borer, (*Eldana saccharena*).

## Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second component listed in the analysis of fertilizers (N-P-K) due to its vital role in cell division, energy transfers, and its regulatory role for transport of sugars and starches within the plant. Although there are exceptions, most reports on P and plant disease suggest that increasing phosphorus above that which is necessary for proper growth may be associated with increased disease. In fact, those cases where P reduced disease may have been in situations where the element was deficient. Cases where the disease became worse following P application might have been in soils where excess P decreased the availability of other elements which, in turn, increased the plant's susceptibility. In most soils, maximum availability of P would be expected in the slightly acid to neutral pH range. In acid soils, P reacts with Fe, Al, and Mn to form insoluble products, making P less available. In alkaline soils, P reacts with Ca and reduces P availability. Therefore, soil pH is important to maximize availability of P and plant health. Alternate formulations of P salts such as phosphonic acid and phosphonate have been developed and marketed for control of *Phytophthora* and *Pythium* diseases of plants. Phosphonic acid is not naturally occurring and has a mixed mode of action involving direct toxicity to the plant pathogen along with boosting the plant's natural defense system. These products do not provide any appreciable P nutrition and their mode of action is not through normal pathways associated with P metabolism. Similarly, mono-potassium phosphate has been marketed as a foliar spray to induce local and systemic protection against foliar pathogens. The role of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi in P nutrition and disease development is vital. Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with the plant's roots. These fungi improve plant health and reduce disease damage. Many plants have mycorrhizal associations that are likely interrupted during propagation cycles. If mycorrhizae are present or have been added, there may be a need to alter the P applications since mycorrhizal infection can be inhibited by increased P availability. Commercial applications of mycorrhizae are available and may have value in plant production for management of soil-borne disease. Their use may also allow other nutrients to be more available since added P could lead to the precipitation of other elements like Ca. The application of P fertilizer gives better tolerance to brown stripe disease in sugarcane caused by *Cochliobolus stenospilus*.

## Potassium:

Potassium plays a major role in insect and disease suppression. Therefore it is called as Polish man element. Potassium deficient plants are very susceptible to both diseases and the weather. In many areas have enough or excess potassium in the soils. However, it easily fixed into certain soil types, e.g. illites and clays. Unlike most plant nutrients, potassium does not become a part of any plant constituent and remains present in the plant sap. It is highly mobile in plant and quickly moves from older to younger leaves. Excess potassium also suppress or encourage diseases depending on the total nutrient status of the plant. In general potassium will suppress most diseases but can encourage *Erwinia* rots, downy mildew and nematodes. The Nitrogen: Potassium (N:K) ratio is also critical for some diseases and insects. A high N:K ratio can

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encourage diseases. A high K:N ratio tends to reduce disease severity and in conjunction with adequate phosphorous can reduce reproduction in aphids. The K deficiency increases the susceptibility of plants to both obligate and facultative fungal parasites. These include *Puccinia* spp (Rusts) and *Alternaria* spp. (Leaf spots), respectively.

**Calcium and Magnesium:**

The higher Ca concentration in plant tissues reduces the incidence of parasitic diseases, mainly by improving the defence mechanisms of the plant against attack. Calcium and magnesium are the second and third most abundant basic elements in a plant. Calcium concentrations in plants are usually twice that of Mg. Calcium is extremely important in normal cell growth where it forms Ca pectate in the middle lamellae of the cell and functions in many enzymatic reactions involved in defense mechanisms. Calcium is commonly applied as CaCl2, CaSO4, or Ca(NO3)2. The role of Ca in the management of plant disease has received much attention. Foliar applications of CaCl2 reduced the incidence of grey mold (*Botrytis cinerea*). **Calcium** is a primary disease controlling nutrient. The amount of calcium in the soil determines many things like: The pH, the structure and the aeration. The calcium levels should enough and at best luxury levels. Calcium in the plant is used to make calcium pectate that determines the formation of strong cell walls and make the plant resistant to insect and disease attack. Many diseases in sugarcane can be prevented by having enough calcium in the plant tissue. Low calcium in the soil results in compacted waterlogged soil, with poor nutrient uptake efficiency and weak stressed plants. Adequate calcium is essential for good shelf life of produce. Magnesium usually applied as MgSO4 or MgCl2 and has been associated with both increased disease and disease suppression plants.

**Sulphur:**

Sulphur is very important in disease control. It is required to induce the plants natural resistance to fungi through triggering natural metabolic processes. This is now termed SIR – sulphur induced resistance. Sulphur also has a typical toxic effect on fungus and mites. Sulfur is an essential element and a component of proteins, and it is the oldest recorded fungicide in use on plants. Sulfur has been used for over a hundred years to suppress powdery mildew and black spot, and many other rust diseases of plants. However, the significance of soil-applied S on plant disease only recently became evident when S deficiency symptoms were noted following the drastic decrease of SO2 emissions from coal-burning facilities. Most growers do not consider S nutrition as a component in their fertility programs. However, it is frequently applied as NH4(SO4)2, Ca2SO4, or MgSO4. These salts are exclusively applied with the aim of supplying the cation. When manipulating the pH is the sole objective, elemental S and AlSO4 are often used. Sulfur nutrition can induce resistance to plant pathogens through its effect on the function and availability of S-containing amino acids. Cysteine, methionine, and glutathione play roles in protein synthesis of many defense products.

**Effect of micronutrients on diseases:**

The metals Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, and B have diverse but essential roles in plants, functioning as cofactors or activators of enzyme systems. Many of these enzyme systems play pivotal roles in disease resistance. In general, the concentrations that correct visual deficiency symptoms in plants are often far below the levels needed to ensure proper health and defense against disease. Most micronutrients become less available as the pH rises so growers should be aware that although crops that favor alkaline soils may not show deficiencies, they may be more susceptible to attack from pathogens. One quick method to correct aboveground deficiency symptoms and boost resistance to foliar diseases is to apply a foliar application. However, since micronutrients are not translocated basipetally to the roots, this application would not suppress a root disease. Proper Fe nutrition not only boosts plant vigor and health, it indirectly affects disease in the rhizosphere where its availability may limit the growth of pathogens. A rich body of information exists on the role of Mn nutrition on plant disease. Manganese affects the production of many host defense products such as lignin, tannins, and phytoalexins. Zinc nutrition is associated with important
plant defense pathways against fungal and bacterial pathogens. Zinc protects plant cells from toxic oxygen
radicals and plays an important role in the production of disease resistance-signalling proteins. Although
inorganic Cu was used as one of the earliest fungicides, nutritionally it functions as a component of several
polyphenoloxidases that produce phenols in cell walls. These phenols become the precursors that lead to
lignin and melanin defense barriers. Molybdenum nutrition is involved in nitrate metabolism and may
influence many of the same disease suppression mechanisms that NO₃ affects. Boron plays a crucial role in
cell wall integrity and phenol metabolism. Minor B deficiencies can lead to increased plant susceptibility.

Chlorine:

The application of chloride fertilizers may suppress various diseases. Chlorine is not generally considered a plant nutrient and can be toxic to many plants. However, research has found that in chloride resistant plants, chlorine can suppress plant diseases e.g. *Fusarium* crown rot in asparagus, *Rhizoctonia* crown rot in beets, *Fusarium* Yellows in celery, and smut and stalk rot in corn. In most cases an increase in chloride resulted in an increase in manganese in the leaf tissue. Cl has been routinely applied as a companion ion for NH4N, K, and Ca fertilizers. Historically, Cl applications were thought to have little value in improving plant growth because Cl was thought to be highly available in soils. Nutritionally, Cl is regarded as a micronutrient, yet, as in the case of Ca, benefits are achieved with rates that far exceed the plant's nutritional requirements. High rates of Cl salts have marked effects on inhibiting soil nitrification, enhancing availability of Mn and other micronutrients, and on increasing beneficial microorganisms. As an element, Cl is the only inorganic anion that is not structurally bound to a metabolite. Its major role is to serve as a charge-balancing ion. When a cell absorbs Cl, it accumulates in the cell vacuole and lowers the cell water potential below that of the medium surrounding the cell. Water then flows into the cell and increases hydrostatic cell pressure so it maintains a pressure that exceeds the force exerted by the plasmalemma. The cells remain turgid and are able to grow even when drought conditions prevail. Theoretically, plants that get root diseases in wet soils might be protected by supplying sufficient Cl to the plants so that they could still grow normally in soils with lower moisture deficits. Chlorine ions also alter the quantity and quality of organic solutes that are exuded into the rhizosphere, thus reducing the germination of and infection from root pathogens. Another major role of Cl in disease suppression comes from its effect on increasing the availability of Mn, which has direct effects on host resistance.

Manganese :

There is good correlation between the concentrations of Manganese in healthy plant tissue vs diseased plant tissue. Fungal and to a large extent, bacterial diseases are reduced in the presence of adequate manganese uptake, while viral diseases may be enhanced by enhanced plant uptake. Manganese tends to be abundant in the soil, the limiting factor being the efficiency of uptake. Practices that improve manganese uptake tend to reduce diseases. Mulching, optimum pH, organic matter, soil temperatures and microbial activity in the soil enhanced the Mn uptake. Glyphosate can reduce manganese uptake. Some fungicides e.g. Mancozeb are much more effective in the manganese form.

Nickel :

Nickel has been regarded as an essential element due to its direct role in activating urease in plants.
Nickel is absorbed as Ni²⁺ and is taken up in minute quantities. Nickel is required in very small amount and is
generally sufficient in most agricultural soils. It is considered an ultra-micronutrient and not much attention
has been paid to it. It is thought that nickel is important for nitrogen cycling in plant tissue and for eliciting
the plants immune response by helping with phytoalexin production. Nickel salts are effective fungicide
sprays against rust. Nickel uptake can be reduced in cold dry soils and in the presence of excess zinc, copper,
manganese, iron, cobalt, magnesium and calcium.

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**Effect of beneficial elements on diseases :**

Silicon is not taken up by all plants, but plants that accumulate Si have shown marked resistance to certain plant diseases. Si is root-absorbed as monosilicic acid and most grasses will absorb this element in great quantities (between 1 and 10%). Although Si is available in many kinds of soils, peat-based soilless mixes are usually deficient in Si. This may suggest that many grasses grown in peat-based soils might gain protection from diseases caused by mildews and rust if adequate Si was added to the growth medium.

**Silicon :**

Silicon is the second most abundant mineral in soil. Adequate levels of silicon in the plants impart a healthy resistance to most diseases, and the source and rate of applied silicon can strongly affect the control of many fungal diseases. Effective, affordable and practical solutions are required for application of silicon to sugarcane crops that can accumulate it, as it has been recognized that the use of silicon in pest and disease control would be a viable method of reducing fungicide use in many areas of agriculture. Silicon in various forms has proved to be an effective method of insect control. High levels of accumulated silicon in stalks and leaves can discourage chewing insects, silicon can dissolve chitin, causing dehydration in insects, and silicon can block insects' spiracles – preventing oxygen from getting into their bodies. Si is an important structural element of plants and improves resistance to certain fungal diseases, and to insect pests such as stem borers. The Si application significantly reduced the severity of infection with brown rust (*Puccinia melanocephala*). The Si amendments reduced severity of infestation and helped mitigate the effect of high N applications on damage. It also improves tolerance of salinity and assists with control of transpiration.

**Aluminium:**

Al is similarly taken up in plants at low levels and associated with plant health. It has been a long-held practice to lower soil pH with AlSO₄, which is accompanied by disease reductions for many plant diseases caused by *Verticillium* and *Thielaviopsis*. However, evidence may suggest that the Al ion is partially responsible for suppression of disease through its effect on the germination of fungal spores in soil. Applications of different forms of Al to peat soils at pH 4 and 6 were followed by reductions in the densities of *Phytophthora parasitica*.

**Conclusion:**

Mineral nutrition has marked effect on sugarcane plant disease. Fertilization often serves as first line of defense against disease control. The implementation of healthy nutrition is required to improve resistance and tolerance of sugarcane plants towards insect pest. In modern agriculture, the most critical problem for increasing yield and developing sustainable agriculture is sufficient fertilizers supply and successful crop protection against herbivores. Herbivores are sensitive to alternation in host plant nutrition. Nutrient enrichment from agricultural and atmospheric sources has the potential to alter plant-insect interactions via changes in plant growth and defence. Optimized management of chemical fertilizers is essential for achieving sustainability of intensive farming. If integrated crop production is to be extensively used in the future, a greater understanding of relationships among soil characteristics, fertilization practices, plant nutrient content and the ability of pests to reduce yield or crop quality will be required. The need for more healthful foods is stimulating the development of techniques to increase plant resistance to phytophagous insects.

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