Investigation on sugarcane ratoon stunting disease in main sugarcane areas of Guangxi

ObjectiveThe occurrence of sugarcane ratoon stunting disease(RSD) in main sugarcane areas in Guangxi was investigated, and distribution, damage degree and occurrence regularity of RSD were studied to provide a scientific basis for healthy sugarcane seedling promotion and effective control of RSD. MethodSamples were collected randomly from nine Guangxi main sugarcane areas from 2013 to 2014 and occurence of RSD was investigated. RSD test was conducted on the samples collected by PCR. Occurrence rate of RSD in Guangxi sugarcane areas was analyzed from perspectives of sugarcane area, variety, planting period and field type. ResultRSD was detected in 198 sugarcane stem samples out of 278 ones, and the detection rate was 71.2%. RSD was detected in all nine main sugarcane areas, with positive detection rate being 58.3%-100.0%. RSD was detected in 27 collected sugarcane varieties(strains), in which the main variety ROC22 was seriously infected and its detection rate was 80.8%. RSD detection rate of new planting sugarcane was 36.0% while that of the ratoon cane was 75.7%. As ratoon years extended, RSD detection rate increased. The incidence of RSD in dry lands was 18.1% higher than in paddy fields(absolute value). ConclusionThe occurrence of RSD is widespread and serious in Guangxi. In planting, virus-free seedlings by hot water should be promoted and resistant varieties with superior traits should be bred to cope with the problems.