Yellowing of Sugarcane Leaves? Farmers Must Act Quickly to Avoid Heavy Losses

Key Highlights

• Yellowing sugarcane leaves indicate wilt disease or root borer pest.

• Wilt is caused by Fusarium sacchari, affecting roots and stems.

• Root borer is a caterpillar active from April to October.

• Recommended treatment includes Thiophanate Methyl or Carbendazim and Chlorpyrifos or Fipronil.

• Organic fertilizers and expert consultation are highly advised.

Sugarcane farmers in many regions are now facing the issue of yellowing leaves in their crop. This condition is raising concern among cultivators as it can be a sign of disease or pest attack, which may lead to a significant reduction in yield.

Considering the seriousness of the issue, the Sugarcane Research Council, Shahjahanpur, has issued an important advisory for farmers. The council has explained the main reasons behind the yellowing, along with effective control measures to help farmers protect their crops from major losses.

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Why Are Sugarcane Leaves Turning Yellow?

If yellowing is seen in sugarcane plants, farmers should not ignore it. It could be due to one or both of the following reasons:

1. Wilt Disease (Fungal Infection)

2. Root Borer Pest (Insect Attack)

These problems can damage sugarcane plants individually or together, and both can reduce crop health and yield if not treated in time.

What is Wilt Disease in Sugarcane?

Wilt disease is a soil-borne fungal infection caused by Fusarium sacchari. It affects the roots and stems, blocking the flow of nutrients. As a result, the plant starts to dry and wilt.

Symptoms of Wilt Disease

Farmers can identify wilt disease in sugarcane through these signs:

• Leaves turn yellow and lose their natural green colour.

• Leaf tips dry up and appear scorched.

• The inner part of the stem shows light pink or red stripes.

• A boat-shaped hollow is visible inside the stem.

• Stems shrink, and midribs of leaves turn yellow.

How to Control Wilt Disease

To control wilt, the Sugarcane Research Council recommends the following treatment:

• Thiophanate Methyl 70 WP at 1.3 gm per litre of water, or

• Carbendazim 50 WP at 2 gm per litre of water.

Use 520–800 grams of either fungicide mixed in 400 litres of water per acre. Do drenching twice near the roots and perform light irrigation after each application.

Important: Avoid using bleaching powder as it can destroy beneficial soil microbes.

Additionally, maintain balanced usage of fungicides and insecticides, and monitor the field regularly for early signs of disease.

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What is Root Borer Pest?

The root borer is a damaging sugarcane pest, especially active from April to October, and spreads faster in dry weather. Its larvae damage the roots and affect early-stage sugarcane plants.

Symptoms of Root Borer Attack

• Pest appears as white caterpillars with dark brown heads, with no stripes on their back.

• Roots are damaged, and the plant starts wilting slowly.

• Leaves turn yellow, and the growth of the plant stops.

How to Control Root Borer Pest

Farmers can adopt the following steps to control this pest:

• If soil moisture is adequate, spray Fipronil 0.3 G at 8-10 kg per acre.

• Alternatively, prepare 750 litres of water per acre with one of these insecticide combinations for root drenching:

• Chlorpyrifos 20% EC – 2 litres/acre, or

• Chlorpyrifos 50% EC – 1 litre/acre, or

• Imidacloprid 17.8% SL – 200 ml/acre.

These sprays help reduce pest populations and promote plant recovery.

Use of Organic Fertilizers Encouraged

The research council also recommends using organic fertilizers. These improve soil health, increase the number of helpful microorganisms, and strengthen the crop’s natural disease resistance. This is helpful not only against wilt but also against other soil-borne issues.

Expert Advice Before Using Chemicals

Farmers are advised to consult agriculture officers or experts in their area before applying any kind of pesticide or fertilizer. The choice of solution must depend on the region's soil, climate, and crop conditions for effective and safe results.

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CMV360 Says

Yellowing of sugarcane leaves is not just a small issue—it can indicate a major disease or pest problem. Timely action with the right treatment can prevent heavy losses. The Sugarcane Research Council's advisory helps farmers take the correct steps at the right time. By staying alert and using suggested control measures, sugarcane farmers can ensure a healthy crop and a good harvest.