Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 227-236 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 227 Research Insight Open Access Bacterial Diseases of Sugarcane: Insights into Pathogenicity and Control Measures Kaiwen Liang Hainan Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: kaiwen.liang@hitar.org Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0022 Received: 30 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 09 Sep., 2024 Published: 23 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liang K.W., 2024, Bacterial diseases of sugarcane: insights into pathogenicity and control measures, Molecular Pathogens, 15(5): 227-236 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0022) Abstract Sugarcane is a globally important economic crop, but bacterial diseases significantly impact its yield and quality. This study outlines the major types of bacterial diseases in sugarcane, including Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD), Leaf Scald Disease, and Gumming Disease, and explores the pathogenic mechanisms of the bacteria, such as virulence factors, host-pathogen interactions, tissue colonization, and systemic infection mechanisms. Additionally, it discusses the influence of environmental factors on pathogenicity. To effectively address these diseases, current diagnostic techniques are proposed, including field-based visual diagnosis, molecular diagnostic tools, and serological and immunological methods. Control strategies, such as chemical control, biological control, and the breeding of disease-resistant varieties, are highlighted as key approaches. Notably, the use of beneficial microbes as biocontrol agents has seen new advancements. The concept of Integrated Disease Management (IDM), which combines biological, chemical, and cultural measures, is proposed to achieve sustainable management of sugarcane diseases. Keywords Sugarcane; Bacterial Diseases; Biological Control; Pathogenic Mechanisms; Integrated Disease Management 1 Introduction Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarumL.) is a vital crop predominantly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. Originally grown in South Eastern Asia and the Pacific for chewing, sugarcane has evolved into a crucial agricultural commodity with diverse applications, including the production of sugar, biofuels, and medicinal products (Bechem and Mbella, 2019). The economic significance of sugarcane cannot be overstated, as it serves as the primary source of sucrose and plays a pivotal role in the alcohol and biofuel industries (Hossain et al., 2020). The crop's extensive cultivation supports numerous economies, particularly in regions where it is a major agricultural product. Despite its economic importance, sugarcane production faces significant challenges due to various diseases, including those caused by bacteria. Bacterial diseases can severely impact sugarcane yield and quality, leading to substantial economic losses. For instance, diseases like red rot, caused by Colletotrichum falcatum, can result in yield losses ranging from 5% to 50%, with a corresponding reduction in sugar recovery to as low as 31% (Hossain et al., 2020). The prevalence of such diseases necessitates the implementation of effective management strategies to mitigate their impact and ensure the sustainability of sugarcane cultivation. This study provides an overview of bacterial diseases affecting sugarcane, with a focus on their pathogenicity and control measures. It also explores current and future disease detection and management strategies, aiming to propose effective methods to alleviate the spread of bacterial diseases in sugarcane plantations, improve the sustainability of sugarcane cultivation, and ensure the sustainable survival of the sugar industry in tropical and subtropical regions. 2 Major Bacterial Diseases Affecting Sugarcane 2.1 Ratoon stunting disease (RSD) Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD) is a significant bacterial disease affecting sugarcane, caused by the bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx). This disease is notorious for its lack of visible symptoms, making it difficult to
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