Management strategies for ratoon stunting disease in sugarcane at Ramu Sugar.

Abstract

Ratoon stunting disease (RSD) of sugarcane is caused by the bacterium, Leifsonia xyli Davis and it is a major problem in many sugar industries worldwide. Recently this disease was detected in commercial crops at Ramu Sugar. Data from estate wide survey indicated up to 84% of the samples taken were tested positive to RSD. In 2004, crop losses are estimated to be at least 15%, this is worth up to K14.2million. Management strategies have been developed and these would take up to 5 years to be fully implemented. This program would cost up to K0.5million in the first year and in subsequent years, this will be around
K300-400,000 per year.