Assessment and management of diverse isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum associated with Red Rot disease in sugarcane

Assessment and management of diverse isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum associated with Red Rot disease in sugarcane | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Assessment and management of diverse isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum associated with Red Rot disease in sugarcane Jyothi Anna Kurian, Muljibhai Jehani, Jabril Mukhtar Mohamed, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4677446/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Jul, 2024 Read the published version in International Journal of Research in Agronomy → Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Red rot, a devastating disease affecting sugarcane worldwide, is caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum falcatum . This menace poses a serious threat to sugarcane production, affecting all parts of the sugarcane plant, including leaves, midribs, and stalks. In our comprehensive study, we investigated the morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability among isolates from midribs and stalks infected with the red rot pathogen. Our research revealed significant variations in mycelium growth among the three isolates from midribs and stalks. These isolates displayed distinct characteristics such as raised fluffy or flat white mycelium growth with light orange pigmentation and a medium to high level of sporulation. The conidia exhibited a falcate shape with an average size of 28.3 µm x 6.75 µm. Pathogenicity was assessed using both the pinprick and plug methods, both of which effectively evaluated disease severity in the CoJ 85 sugarcane variety. An epidemiological investigation highlighted the significant influence of relative humidity on disease development. To combat red rot, we evaluated seven different treatments. Among these, Bavistin, Trichoderma harzianum , and T. viride emerged as the most effective approaches. In addition to fungicides, biocontrol agents have shown promise in managing red rot by targeting C. falcatum and inducing systemic resistance in treated plants. Colletotrichum falcatum Integrated disease management Sugarcane Red rot Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 1. Introduction Sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) is a perennial grass of the Poaceae family, extensively grown for its juice, which serves as the primary raw material for sugar production. This adaptable crop flourishes in tropical and subtropical regions of India and holds significant economic importance. Besides its pivotal role in sugar production, sugarcane plays a crucial part in the biofuel sector, where it is utilized for ethanol production. According to the FAO's 2021 report, the leading sugarcane-producing countries include Brazil, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, and Australia. India emerges as a significant global player in sugarcane cultivation, covering an expansive area of 48.7 million hectares. The impressive productivity of sugarcane was notable during the 2021–2022 periods, with the country's production surpassing 500 million metric tonnes (Anon., 2022a). A crucial contributor to this achievement is Punjab, where sugarcane holds pivotal importance as a cash crop. In 2022, Punjab achieved substantial yields, producing a total of 6.6 million metric tonnes on 0.92 million acres of land (Anon., 2022b). Sugarcane growers face a myriad of challenges in production, resulting in significant losses due to both living organisms and environmental factors. Environmental challenges such as droughts, floods, typhoons, extreme heat, frost, and poor soil fertility greatly affect crop yields (Talukder et al. , 2000). Additionally, sugarcane is susceptible to various pathogenic microorganisms including fungi, bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, and nematodes (Rao et al. , 2002). Among these, red rot caused by Colletotrichum falcatum Went (also known as Glomerella tucumanensis (Speg.) V. Arx and E. Muller in its perfect stage) consistently threatens sugarcane cultivation across different regions in the country (Viswanathan et al., 2002 ). Severe outbreaks of this disease can lead to extensive damage in the fields and complete loss of crops, often referred to as the 'Cancer' of sugarcane (Khan et al. 2011 ). This ailment not only reduces yield but also diminishes the quality of commercial cane sugar and sugarcane juice, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies. In 1893, Went documented the emergence of red rot disease in Java (now part of Indonesia). He attributed the pathogen to Colletotrichum falcatum Went. The devastating impact of red rot was particularly notable in India between 1895 and 1899, affecting the Red Mauritius cultivar in the Godavari delta of the Madras Presidency (Barber, 1901 ). This disease subsequently spread throughout tropical India, causing significant crop damage and resulting in the rejection of several commercial varieties such as CoJ 64, CoJ 82, CoJ 84, and CoJ 1148 within the region (Viswanathan 2010 ). Identification of Colletotrichum falcatum involves detailed examination of its distinct morphological and cultural characteristics, including acervuli with setae, presence or absence of a teleomorph, colony color, sporulation patterns, and mycelium growth (Viswanathan et al , 2003). Managing red rot in sugarcane has long been recognized as a challenging task. Pathogen virulence is influenced by environmental factors, plant genotypes, and the presence of aggressive pathogens. Current management strategies primarily focus on agricultural methods aimed at reducing pathogen prevalence in fields. Given the complexity of the issue, relying on a single approach is ineffective. Therefore, integrated disease management (IDM) is essential in the sugarcane industry (Agnihotri 1996 ; Ghazanfar et al. 2017). The primary objective of IDM techniques is to mitigate the risks of red rot during replanting while simultaneously enhancing sugarcane yields. IDM includes a variety of practices such as cultural methods, the use of disease-free setts, resistant varieties, physical interventions, biological control, and chemical measures. These practices have been shown to significantly improve growth parameters and enhance sugarcane quality by reducing the prevalence of red rot compared to non-IDM techniques. Implementing integrated disease management techniques has become indispensable for successful sugarcane cultivation in India and other countries. This research aims to achieve two objectives: i) assess various isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum for morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability, and ii) evaluate the management of these isolates through in vitro testing using integrated disease management protocols. 2. Material and Methods Red rot-affected canes and leaves from various sugarcane fields in Punjab were collected, encompassing different varieties. Approximately three isolates each from midribs and stalks were examined for morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability. Pathogenic variability was assessed both in vivo and in vitro using differentials. 2.1. Collection, Isolation and Purification The diseased midrib and stalk samples were gathered from farms in Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Lovely Professional University (LPU) fields and transported to the Laboratory of Plant Pathology at LPU in Phagwara. After thorough washing with tap water, the samples were air-dried. Isolation procedures were conducted under sterile laminar airflow conditions. The midrib and stalk samples were finely chopped and surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 1 minute, followed by multiple rinses with sterile water. The sterilized samples were then dried on sterile tissue paper. Isolation was carried out on water-agar medium (20 g agar in 1000 ml distilled water), and Petri plates were incubated at a controlled temperature of 28 ± 1°C in a BOD incubator or at room temperature for 7–10 days. Subsequently, the pathogen was sub-cultured using the single hyphal tip culture method on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium (200 g peeled potato, 20 g dextrose, and 20 g agar agar in 1000 ml distilled water) and incubated at 28 ± 1°C in a BOD incubator for 15 days to promote proper sporulation. 2.2. Identification based on morphological and cultural characters of pathogen Identification of the causative organism's genus relied on analyzing its morphological and cultural characteristics. These included observing conidial shape and size, mycelial coloration, colony growth patterns, pigmentation, and other growth traits. Additionally, pertinent scientific literature was consulted to aid in precise identification. Inoculated samples were incubated in Petri plates at a controlled temperature of 28 ± 1°C for 15 days to facilitate active sporulation of the pathogen. Post-incubation, morphological and cultural features such as sporulation, pigmentation, mycelial growth, colony diameter (measured in millimetres), and overall colony appearance were meticulously examined and recorded. Conidial sizes were measured using an ocular micrometer, and spore counts were determined by preparing a mycelial suspension (1×10³ CFU/ml) from a 10-day-old culture in sterile distilled water, followed by quantification using a haemocytometer. Furthermore, microphotographs of slides were taken to document conidial shape and size. 2.3. Pathogenic variation in stalk and midrib isolates on differential To evaluate the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum falcatum , pure cultures of freshly prepared isolates obtained from stalks and midribs were utilized. These isolates, aged between 7 to 10 days, were employed in our experiments. For midrib isolates, strain CoJ 85 was selected, and pathogenicity tests were conducted in the field using healthy sugarcane plants. Specifically, we targeted the upper, middle, and lower leaves of each plant. A spore suspension with a concentration of 1×10 3 CFU/ml was meticulously prepared in distilled water using a homogenizer. Inoculation of midrib isolates was performed using both the pin prick and cotton swab methods. Disease progression was monitored at 7-day intervals over a period of 21 days. For stalk isolates, testing was carried out in a controlled laboratory environment using the same sugarcane variety. Stalk isolates were introduced via the plug method and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 20 days. 2.4. Symptomology of disease Disease data were meticulously recorded concerning infections and symptoms appearing on the leaf midrib and stalk. The observations concentrated on measuring lesion lengths along the midrib. Furthermore, canes were meticulously split open to examine infections, evaluating factors such as lesion width, the number of internodes breached by the pathogen, and the presence of white spots on the inner tissues. 2.6. Integrated disease management of Colletotrichum falcatum on sugarcane Sugarcane is of considerable economic importance, but it faces a significant threat from red rot, a fungal disease that severely impacts its yield. To combat Colletotrichum falcatum effectively, one of the most damaging fungal pathogens in sugarcane, an integrated management study was conducted at the agricultural field of LPU campus in Punjab. The experiment used the CoJ 85 variety, planted as two-budded setts, and tested seven different treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times following a randomized block design during the 2022–2023 growing season (Table 1 ). Table 1 Treatment details Sr. No. Treatments T1 Sett treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% + foliar spray of Bavistin @ 0.25% T2 Sett treatment with Colletotrichum falcatum spores T3 Sett treatment with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg + Foliar spray of T. harzianum @ 10g/l T4 Sett treatment with Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg + Foliar spray of T. harzianum @ 10g/L T5 Sett treatment with C. falcatum spore suspension + Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g / kg T6 Sett treatment with C. falcatum + Trichoderma viride @ 10g / kg T7 Control (no treatment) Throughout the study, the sugarcane crop was meticulously monitored to evaluate disease intensity. Initial observations were recorded promptly upon the disease's detection in the field, using a predefined formula. Subsequent assessments were conducted at 15-day intervals to track the disease's progression and assess the effectiveness of the treatments. 3. Results and Discussion Red rot, caused by the fungus C. falcatum Went, poses a major threat to the cultivation of sugarcane varieties in states where sugarcane is grown, especially under the specific conditions found in Punjab. This study explores various scientific aspects, integrating pertinent weather variables and management strategies to tackle this urgent problem. 3.1. Isolation, Purification, and Identification Various isolates obtained from infected midrib and stalk samples of red rot were extracted using the method outlined in the Materials and Methods section (2.1 Collection, Isolation, and Purification), depicted in Fig. 1 . These cultures were subsequently transferred to test tube slants and stored in a refrigerator for further investigation. 3.1.1. Identification Red rot samples were collected from different regions in Punjab, including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, and the LPU field. From these samples, we isolated distinct midrib and stalk strains: Kapurthala midrib isolates (KM-1), Kapurthala stalk isolates (KS-1), Jalandhar midrib isolates (JM-2), Jalandhar stalk isolates (JS-2), LPU field midrib isolate (LM-3), and LPU field stalk isolate (LS-3) of C. falcatum . These isolates were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Identification involved analyzing the pathogen's morphological and cultural characteristics, comparing the isolates with references in scientific literature. According to descriptions in previous studies, a creamy-grey fungus was isolated from both midrib and stalk samples (Sarkar, 1960 ; Prakasan and Venkatareddy, 1961; Sharma, 1970 ) (Fig. 2 ). 3.2. Morphological and Cultural characters of pathogen Morphological and cultural traits of C. falcatum were analyzed through direct observation and stereobinocular microscopic examination. Characteristics such as sporulation, pigmentation, mycelium growth, colony diameter (in mm), and overall colony development were evaluated. Conidia size for each isolate was measured using an ocular micrometer, and spore counts were determined with a hemocytometer. Microphotographs of slides were taken to record conidia shape and size. 3.2.1. Colony diameter of midrib and stalk isolates The three midrib and stalk isolates were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium in Petri plates, and the colony diameters were measured at 3, 5, and 7 days post-incubation at 28 ± 1°C in a BOD incubator. The data are presented in Table 2 . Table 2 Colony diameter of midrib and stalk isolates Sr. No. Isolates Colony diameter (mm) 3rd day 5th day 7th day Midrib isolates KM-1 27.5 66.5 84.5 JM-2 35.5 66.0 79.5 LM-3 34.5 59.5 82.5 Stalk isolates KS-1 24.5 44.5 70.5 JS-2 28.5 46.5 72.5 LS-3 29.5 51.5 79.5 3.2.1.1. Midrib Isolates Among the midrib isolates (KM-1, JM-2, and LM-3), rapid growth was observed with colony diameters ranging from 27.5 to 35.5 mm after 3 days of incubation. KM-1 exhibited the smallest colony diameter at 27.5 mm. By the 5th day, the midrib isolates showed significant growth; with diameters ranging from 55.5 to 59.5 mm. LM-3 displayed the smallest diameter at 59.5 mm. By the 7th day, the midrib isolates had nearly covered the Petri dishes; with colony diameters ranging from 79.5 to 84.5 mm. JM-2 had the smallest diameter at 79.5 mm (Fig. 3 ). 3.2.1.2. Stalk Isolates On the 3rd day, the stalk isolates (KS-1, JS-2, and LS-3) also showed rapid growth, with colony diameters ranging from 24.5 to 29.5 mm. By the 5th day, their diameters had increased to 44.5–51.5 mm. LS-3 exhibited the largest diameter at 51.5 mm. By the 7th day, the stalk isolates had grown further, with diameters ranging from 70.5 to 79.5 mm (Fig. 4 ). As indicated in Table 1 , there was significant variation in mycelial growth among the three midrib and stalk isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum . Previous studies by Srinivasan (1969) and Viswanathan et al. (2003) also reported significant differences in colony growth patterns when investigating C. falcatum pathotypes. 3.2.2. Mycelium characters of midrib and stalk isolates The growth pattern, sporulation, and pigmentation of the colonies isolated from midribs and stalks were observed after 7 days of incubation on PDA medium. Detailed data can be found in Table 3 and Fig. 4 . Table 3 Colony characters of midrib and stalk isolates Isolates Colony Characters Mycelium growth Pigmentation Sporulation KM-1 Raised fluffy White cottony mass with light orange pigment +++ JM-2 Raised fluffy Whitish mycelium with greyish orange pigment ++ LM-3 Raised fluffy White mycelium with light orange colour +++ KS-1 Flat Whitish-grey mycelium ++ JS-2 Flat White mycelium with dark violet pigment ++ LS-3 Less fluffy Whitish with pale orange pigmentation +++ +++ - High sporulation ++ - Medium sporulation + - Less sporulation 3.2.2.1. Midrib Isolates 3.2.2.1.1. Mycelium growth pattern and Sporulation All three midrib isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum (KM-1, JM-2, and LM-3) exhibited a raised, fluffy mycelial growth pattern with abundant sporulation. However, JM-2 showed moderate sporulation compared to the other midrib isolates. 3.2.2.1.2. Colony colour The midrib isolates exhibited raised fluffy mycelial growth. The KM-1 isolate displayed a whitish cottony mass when viewed from the front, with a light orange pigmentation on the reverse side of the culture. In contrast, the JM-2 isolate featured white mycelium with light orange pigmentation on the front view and orange with grey pigmentation on the reverse of the culture plate. The LM-3 isolate resembled the KM-1 isolate; showing white mycelial masses with light orange pigmentation (see Fig. 2 ). 3.2.2.2. Stalk Isolates 3.2.2.2.1. Mycelium growth pattern and Sporulation Two out of the three stalk isolates exhibit a flat colony growth pattern: KS-1 and JS-2. Meanwhile, the LS-3 isolate demonstrates a less fluffy mycelium growth pattern. All three isolates are expected to show medium to high levels of sporulation. 3.2.2.2.2. Colony colour In stalk isolates, KS-1 exhibited a whitish-grey pigmentation. In contrast, isolate JS-2 displayed white mycelium accompanied by dark violet pigmentation in culture. The LS-3 isolate featured a less fluffy, whitish mycelium with a pale orange hue on the culture (Fig. 3 ). 3.2.3. Conidial characters of midrib and stalk isolates Conidial size for each isolate was measured using an ocular micrometer. Spore count was determined by preparing a mycelial suspension (1×10³ CFU/ml) from 10-day-old cultures in distilled sterilized water using a homogenizer, and counting with a hemocytometer. Microphotographs of slides were taken to record the shape and size of conidia, and detailed data are presented in Table 4 and Fig. 4 . Table 4 Conidial characteristics of midrib and stalk isolates Midrib isolates Spore shape Spore size (µm) (L x B) Spore count (spores/ml) Stalk isolates Spore shape Spore size (µm) (L x B) Spore count (spores/ml) KM-1 Falcate 26.7 x 6.2 104 x 10² KS-1 Falcate 34.5 x 7.9 125 x 10² JM-2 Falcate 27.0 x 6.9 116 x 10² JS-2 Falcate 27.8 x 7.0 113 x 10² LM-3 Falcate 24.7 x 5.3 107 x 10² LS-3 Falcate 29.3 x 7.4 100 x 10² Mean size 26.1 µm x 6.1 µm Mean size 30.5 µm x 7.4 µm 3.2.3.1. Midrib Isolates The average dimensions of conidia from midrib isolates ranged around 26.1 µm x 6.1 µm. Among these isolates, JM-2 exhibited the largest conidia measuring 26.7 µm x 6.2 µm, while LM-3 had the smallest, measuring 24.7 µm x 5.3 µm. All conidia observed were falcate in shape, with sporulation counts ranging from 104 x 10² to 116 x 10² per isolate. 3.2.3.2. Stalk Isolates Stalk isolates displayed an average spore size of approximately 30.5 µm x 7.4 µm. These spores exhibited a falcate shape, with sporulation rates ranging from 100 x 10² to 125 x 10². Among these isolates, KS-1 had the largest spores, measuring 34.5 µm x 7.9 µm, while JS-2 exhibited the smallest spores at 27.8 µm x 7.0 µm. Our observations regarding the morphological and cultural characteristics of various midrib and stalk isolates align closely with earlier studies by Chona and Srivastava ( 1960 ). They noted that conidia from different isolates varied in length from 10 µm to 36 µm. Similarly, other studies have reported colony characteristics and conidial dimensions, with sizes ranging from 17.1 µm to 2.84 µm x 4.5 µm to 6.8 µm (Pandey and Sakel, 1974). Jothi ( 1989 ) categorized different C. falcatum isolates based on criteria such as color, texture, and sporulation. 3.3. Pathogenicity assay Pathogenicity tests of midrib and stalk isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum were conducted under both field and laboratory conditions using the CoJ 85 variety of sugarcane. For midrib isolates, inoculation was performed using two methods: the pin prick and cotton swab techniques on the upper, middle, and lower leaves of healthy plants. Disease progression was monitored at 7-day intervals for up to 21 days after inoculation. Stalk isolates were inoculated using the plug method with a pure culture of the pathogen and were kept at room temperature. Disease symptoms were observed and recorded after a 20-day incubation period. 3.3.1. Midrib Isolates Isolates such as KM-1 and JS-2 were introduced into the CoJ 85 variety of sugarcane under field conditions. Using the pinprick method, these isolates were inoculated into the upper, middle, and lower leaves of each plant. Data was collected on the 7th, 10th, 16th, and 21st days post-inoculation. The lesions on the midribs of the inoculated leaves revealed larger sizes on the lower leaves and smaller sizes on the middle leaves of sugarcane. When comparing KM-1 and JS-2 isolates, KM-1 induced larger midrib lesions than JS-2. The details are presented in Table 5 and Fig. 5 . Table 5 Pathogenicity testing of midrib isolates under field conditions Midrib isolates Leaf 7th day 10th day 16th day 21st day KM-1 Upper 1.9 cm 2.3 cm 2.4 cm 2.6 cm Middle 1.3 cm 1.3 cm 1.4 cm 1.5 cm Lower 4.5 cm 5.0 cm 5.3 cm 6.0 cm JM-2 Upper 2.1 cm 2.4 cm 2.5 cm 2.5 cm Middle 1.5 cm 1.7 cm 1.9 cm 2.0 cm Lower 2.5 cm 3.3 cm 3.8 cm 4.0 cm Table 6 Pathogenicity testing of stalk isolates under laboratory conditions Stalk isolates Lesion length Nodal transgression KS-1 100% ++ JS-1 > 50% + Control < 25% - ++ - Both internodes + - Only one internode - - No internodes The pinprick method proved to be effective and efficient for evaluating the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum falcatum isolates in sugarcane. Previous studies by Abraham et al. ( 1980 ) and Mehetre ( 2009 ) have demonstrated that creating wounds using the pinprick method and inoculating with spore suspensions are reliable techniques for assessing the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species on plants. 3.3.2. Stalk Isolates Pathogenicity testing was conducted in a laboratory setting on stalk isolates such as KS-1 and JS-2 using the plug method on the sugarcane variety CoJ 85. Each stalk, inoculated with a 5 cm diameter piece from pure cultures of KS-1 and JS-2, was left at room temperature for 20 days before observations were made. The results showed significant differences: the KS-1 inoculated cane exhibited lesions covering two internodes with 100% spread, indicating susceptibility of CoJ 85 to KS-1. Meanwhile, JS-2 resulted in lesions covering nearly one internode with more than 50% spread, indicating an intermediate susceptibility of CoJ 85 to JS-2. These findings align with previous studies; Sandhu et al. (1974) noted that stalk isolates tend to be more virulent than midrib isolates. Additionally, Shukla et al. ( 2001 ) suggested that while midrib isolates currently pose no immediate threat to sugarcane cultivation, they could potentially adapt to local varieties and infect stalks under natural conditions. 3.5. Integrated disease management of Colletotrichum falcatum on sugarcane A field experiment was conducted at the agriculture field of LPU campus in Punjab to assess integrated disease management strategies against Colletotrichum falcatum in sugarcane during 2022–2023. Sugarcane of the CoJ 85 variety, planted with two-budded setts, was subjected to seven different treatments in a randomized block design with three replications per treatment. Initial disease incidence data were recorded before the first spray application, timed upon the appearance of initial disease symptoms in the field. Subsequent data collections occurred 15 days post-spray and again 15 days prior to harvesting. The disease intensity observations for each treatment are detailed in Table 7 . Table 7 Data of disease incidence during treatments Sl. No. Treatment Percent disease index Before 1st spray 15 days after spray 15 days before harvesting 1 Sett treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% + foliar spray of Bavistin @ 0.25% *6.81(1.41) *8.49(2.19) *17.77(9.32) 2 Sett treatment with Colletotrichum falcatum spores *16.54(8.11) *23.74(16.21) *33.14(29.89) 3 Sett treatment with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg + Foliar spray of T. harzianum @ 10g/l *12.94(5.01) *17.81(9.37) *24.26(16.88) 4 Sett treatment with Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg + Foliar spray of T.viride @ 10g/L *13.18(5.20) *18.83(10.43) *23.44(15.84) 5 Sett treatment with C. falcatum spore suspension + Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg *13.33(5.32) *19.62(11.28) *25.76(18.86) 6 Sett treatment with C. falcatum + Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg *13.84(5.72) *17.84(9.40) *25.19(18.12) 7 Control (No treatment) *13.98(5.85) *21.54(13.48) *29.57(24.36) S.Em ± 0.35 0.45 0.40 CD at 5% 1.07 1.38 1.23 C.V % 4.63 4.25 2.70 * - Data are arcsine transformed () – Data in the bracket are original value of PDI PDI – Percent disease index Before the initial spray, the least disease intensity (1.41%) was noted in the treatment involving sett application of Bavistin @ 0.25% combined with foliar spray of Bavistin @ 0.25%. Conversely, the highest disease intensity (8.11%) occurred in the treatment using C. falcatum spores on setts. Other effective treatments included sett applications with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (5.01%), Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (5.20%), C. falcatum spore suspension with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg (5.32%), and C. falcatum with Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg (5.72%), while the control showed 5.85% disease intensity. After 15 days post-spray, the treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% sett application plus foliar spray maintained the lowest disease intensity (2.19%). Following closely were treatments with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (9.37%), C. falcatum with Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg (9.40%), Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (10.43%), C. falcatum spore suspension with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg (11.28%), and the control with 13.48% disease intensity. The highest disease intensity (16.21%) was found in the treatment using C. falcatum spores on setts. Prior to harvesting, the treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% sett application plus foliar spray showed the best disease management (9.32%). The highest disease intensity (29.89%) was observed in the treatment using C. falcatum spores on setts. Other effective treatments included Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (15.84%), Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (16.88%), C. falcatum with Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg (18.12%), C. falcatum spore suspension with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg (18.86%), and the control with 24.36% disease intensity. Bharadwaj and Sahu ( 2014 ) reported complete inhibition of C. falcatum mycelial growth with Bavistin, underscoring its efficacy. Hence, among the treatments evaluated, Bavistin @ 0.25% sett application plus foliar spray emerged as the most effective, followed by treatments involving Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l and Trichoderma viride @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l. The application of T. harzianum and T. viride aids in red rot control by directly impacting C. falcatum and inducing systemic plant resistance (Yadav et al . 2008). 4. Conclusion Red rot, caused by Colletotrichum falcatum , poses a severe threat to global sugarcane production as it affects all parts of the plant—leaves, midribs, and stalks. A study was conducted to analyze the morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability among midrib and stalk isolates of the red rot fungus. Significant differences were observed in mycelial growth among the three isolates, each displaying either raised fluffy or flat white mycelium with light orange pigmentation and medium to high levels of sporulation. Conidia were consistently falcate-shaped, averaging 28.3 µm x 6.75 µm in size. Pathogenicity tests using the pinprick and plug methods confirmed the effectiveness of both techniques in assessing disease severity on the sugarcane variety CoJ 85. Epidemiological studies conducted under natural conditions demonstrated a linear disease progression, highlighting the pivotal role of relative humidity in disease development. In managing red rot, a comparative evaluation of seven treatments revealed that applications containing Bavistin, T. harzianum , and T. viride were most effective. Beyond fungicides, the application of biocontrol agents has proven beneficial by directly impacting C. falcatum and inducing systemic resistance in sugarcane plants propagated from treated setts. Declarations Author Contribution A.C. Performed ResearchB. Wrote PaperD. Data analysis References Abraham M, Karunakaran P, Mathew J 1980 Leaf spot disease of Dioscorea alata Linn . Agri. 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Proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 15:213–217 Jothi R 1989 Studies on variation in red rot pathogen Colletotrichum falcatum Went of sugarcane Khan A, Awais M, Raza W, Zia A 2011 Identification of sugarcane lines with resistance to red rot. Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology 23(2):98-102 Mehetre PB 2009 Investigation on anthracnose of yam ( Dioscorea alata L.) caused by Colletotrichum capsici (Syd.) Butler and Bisby under South Gujarat condition. M. Sc. (Horti.) (Doctoral dissertation, thesis submitted at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (unpublished)). Pandey LN, Sakel R 1974 New Pathogenic strain of Glomerella tucumanensis (Speg.) Arx and Muller in Uttar Pradesh. Indian Sugar 24:707–709 Prakasam R, Venkatareddy TC 1961 Occurrence of light race of Colletotrichum falcatum Went in Andhra Pradesh. Science and Culture 27:250–251 Sandhu SS, Mehan VK, Singh K 1974 Role of leaf midrib lesions in epidemiology of red rot caused by Colletotrichum falcatum Went. in the Punjab. Indian sugar 24:391-395 Sarkar A 1960 Comparative study of two races of Colletotrichum falcatum Went. Science and Culture 26:83–84 Sharma MN 1970 Occurrence of a new strain of Physalospora tucumamensis Speg. Nizamabad District of Andhra Pradesh . Science and Culture 36:52-54 Shukla RK, Pandey AK, Singh SP, Verma KP, Singh RR 2001 Studies on comparative pathogenic behaviour of stalk and midrib isolates of red rot pathogen ( Colletotrichum falcatum Went.). Indian Sugar 51(3):175-180 Sydow H 1924 Notizen Uber Ushlagineen. Ann Mycol Vol.22, pp. 277 Talukder MI, Alam MS 2000 Effect of moist hot air treatment (MHAT) on control of white leaf disease and growth of sugarcane. Pakistan Sugar Journal 15(3):16-21 Viswanathan R (2010) Plant Disease: Red Rot of Sugarcane, Anmol Publishers, New Delhi, India, 306 pp Viswanathan R, Malathi P, Padmanaban P 2003 Variation in sugarcane red rot pathogen Colletotrichum falcatum Went. In GP Rao, C Manoharachari, DJ Bhat, RC Rajak, TN Lakhanpal (Eds.), Frontiers of Fungal Diversity in India pp. 639–667 Viswanathan R, Sundar AR, Padmanaban P, Mohanraj D 2002 Red rot disease of sugarcane and its management. In: Upadhyay RK, Mukherji KG. Dubey OP, editors. IPM systems in agriculture Vol. 8 key pathogens and diseases. New Delhi: Aditya Books; p. 277–301 von Arx JA, Muller E 1954 Die Gattungen der amerosporen Pyrenomyceten. Beitr Kryptogamenflora Schweiz, 11:1–434 Went FAFC 1893 Het Rood Snot (Summary in English). Archiefvoor De Java Suikerindustrie 1:265–282 Yadav RL, Singh SN, Srivastava R , Lal SK, Awasthi BB 2008 Use of Trichoderma harzianum for the control of red rot disease of sugarcane. Sugarcane International 26(4):28–33 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Jul, 2024 Read the published version in International Journal of Research in Agronomy → Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4677446","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":322920072,"identity":"443fe429-2b07-4409-aef3-1765c75c3245","order_by":0,"name":"Jyothi Anna Kurian","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Lovely Professional University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jyothi","middleName":"Anna","lastName":"Kurian","suffix":""},{"id":322920073,"identity":"a5fd9127-3f35-4585-befc-55e5ca8149be","order_by":1,"name":"Muljibhai Jehani","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABFklEQVRIie3RMUvDQBTA8XcEosOZrk8i8RMUIoGSIR8mRyCjFFw7nBy0k3tc9CsoBefog3QRXAtm0KVzunWQ4iWIUOgZR8H7D3ccuV8u4QBstj+ZIwHDMgUH2Nt6m/DBwdcD10jYN3HOCjcPjtVvCIAmeo9/6D5FIfV81rAQl008rs8HMwAfeCnmdFQhTBLwfLmXjJZCIYarC9Qvj8ZYiwfycoQqB/ekNBGpCQmpSVaEK034CJleupgaT9m05FYT4imJueon0+6UOwKmeElR6PSR5/dprP9F3BNT7FrmAZKXxWmVcyNZZPSKH7W4eaHFZi31Vc6uHpfNJAlOi/2kzcFu6i6ojQOk3WiONbvrHzfbbDbbP+wTHeRfFVVslJkAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Lovely Professional University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Muljibhai","middleName":"","lastName":"Jehani","suffix":""},{"id":322920074,"identity":"101d2150-0cf7-44af-9de2-e15d1ee00452","order_by":2,"name":"Jabril Mukhtar Mohamed","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Lovely Professional 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":325173,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifferent midrib and stalk isolates\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4677446/v1/2d1ea6f275d6ca6087c0073d.png"},{"id":61309701,"identity":"44736439-2981-4651-8f28-6978a5c3a02c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-29 10:49:41","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":185336,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColony growth of midrib isolate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4677446/v1/e864f12d6d5ae6c4e47ba0e8.png"},{"id":61309700,"identity":"6aae65e5-6cc2-475c-bba6-ee78af996b13","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-29 10:49:41","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":204890,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColony growth of stalk isolate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4677446/v1/fbcbad2a0fae08e6def0f155.png"},{"id":61309706,"identity":"19939550-1a1e-4907-87e3-797d74d5d233","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-29 10:49:42","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":302512,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharacteristics features of \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4677446/v1/3cf6035ce3905f7dd946c02d.png"},{"id":61309703,"identity":"c568f960-466d-4208-be84-0df1f6819307","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-29 10:49:41","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":311292,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePathogenicity test of \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e on midrib\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4677446/v1/545c0c1fb07cb82de071a4d7.png"},{"id":61310288,"identity":"f29ee699-b850-42ac-8ddb-ba9a0cbd7cad","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-29 10:57:42","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":207619,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePathogenicity test of \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e on stalk\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4677446/v1/2bf968ea240079fd6dde8480.png"},{"id":61311146,"identity":"5333d9de-3da9-4396-af57-17deb0b1a4aa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-29 11:05:42","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2785019,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4677446/v1/d65653c9-da0d-4fe0-a673-d957c4a42d49.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Assessment and management of diverse isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum associated with Red Rot disease in sugarcane","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eSugarcane (\u003cem\u003eSaccharum officinarum\u003c/em\u003e L.) is a perennial grass of the Poaceae family, extensively grown for its juice, which serves as the primary raw material for sugar production. This adaptable crop flourishes in tropical and subtropical regions of India and holds significant economic importance. Besides its pivotal role in sugar production, sugarcane plays a crucial part in the biofuel sector, where it is utilized for ethanol production. According to the FAO's 2021 report, the leading sugarcane-producing countries include Brazil, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, and Australia. India emerges as a significant global player in sugarcane cultivation, covering an expansive area of 48.7\u0026nbsp;million hectares. The impressive productivity of sugarcane was notable during the 2021\u0026ndash;2022 periods, with the country's production surpassing 500\u0026nbsp;million metric tonnes (Anon., 2022a). A crucial contributor to this achievement is Punjab, where sugarcane holds pivotal importance as a cash crop. In 2022, Punjab achieved substantial yields, producing a total of 6.6\u0026nbsp;million metric tonnes on 0.92\u0026nbsp;million acres of land (Anon., 2022b).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSugarcane growers face a myriad of challenges in production, resulting in significant losses due to both living organisms and environmental factors. Environmental challenges such as droughts, floods, typhoons, extreme heat, frost, and poor soil fertility greatly affect crop yields (Talukder \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2000). Additionally, sugarcane is susceptible to various pathogenic microorganisms including fungi, bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, and nematodes (Rao \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2002). Among these, red rot caused by \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e Went (also known as \u003cem\u003eGlomerella tucumanensis\u003c/em\u003e (Speg.) V. Arx and E. Muller in its perfect stage) consistently threatens sugarcane cultivation across different regions in the country (Viswanathan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). Severe outbreaks of this disease can lead to extensive damage in the fields and complete loss of crops, often referred to as the 'Cancer' of sugarcane (Khan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). This ailment not only reduces yield but also diminishes the quality of commercial cane sugar and sugarcane juice, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 1893, Went documented the emergence of red rot disease in Java (now part of Indonesia). He attributed the pathogen to \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e Went. The devastating impact of red rot was particularly notable in India between 1895 and 1899, affecting the Red Mauritius cultivar in the Godavari delta of the Madras Presidency (Barber, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1901\u003c/span\u003e). This disease subsequently spread throughout tropical India, causing significant crop damage and resulting in the rejection of several commercial varieties such as CoJ 64, CoJ 82, CoJ 84, and CoJ 1148 within the region (Viswanathan \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Identification of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e involves detailed examination of its distinct morphological and cultural characteristics, including acervuli with setae, presence or absence of a teleomorph, colony color, sporulation patterns, and mycelium growth (Viswanathan \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e, 2003).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging red rot in sugarcane has long been recognized as a challenging task. Pathogen virulence is influenced by environmental factors, plant genotypes, and the presence of aggressive pathogens. Current management strategies primarily focus on agricultural methods aimed at reducing pathogen prevalence in fields. Given the complexity of the issue, relying on a single approach is ineffective. Therefore, integrated disease management (IDM) is essential in the sugarcane industry (Agnihotri \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1996\u003c/span\u003e; Ghazanfar \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e 2017).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe primary objective of IDM techniques is to mitigate the risks of red rot during replanting while simultaneously enhancing sugarcane yields. IDM includes a variety of practices such as cultural methods, the use of disease-free setts, resistant varieties, physical interventions, biological control, and chemical measures. These practices have been shown to significantly improve growth parameters and enhance sugarcane quality by reducing the prevalence of red rot compared to non-IDM techniques.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplementing integrated disease management techniques has become indispensable for successful sugarcane cultivation in India and other countries. This research aims to achieve two objectives: i) assess various isolates of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e for morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability, and ii) evaluate the management of these isolates through in vitro testing using integrated disease management protocols.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Material and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eRed rot-affected canes and leaves from various sugarcane fields in Punjab were collected, encompassing different varieties. Approximately three isolates each from midribs and stalks were examined for morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability. Pathogenic variability was assessed both in vivo and in vitro using differentials.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Collection, Isolation and Purification\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe diseased midrib and stalk samples were gathered from farms in Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Lovely Professional University (LPU) fields and transported to the Laboratory of Plant Pathology at LPU in Phagwara. After thorough washing with tap water, the samples were air-dried. Isolation procedures were conducted under sterile laminar airflow conditions. The midrib and stalk samples were finely chopped and surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 1 minute, followed by multiple rinses with sterile water. The sterilized samples were then dried on sterile tissue paper. Isolation was carried out on water-agar medium (20 g agar in 1000 ml distilled water), and Petri plates were incubated at a controlled temperature of 28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u0026deg;C in a BOD incubator or at room temperature for 7\u0026ndash;10 days. Subsequently, the pathogen was sub-cultured using the single hyphal tip culture method on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium (200 g peeled potato, 20 g dextrose, and 20 g agar agar in 1000 ml distilled water) and incubated at 28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u0026deg;C in a BOD incubator for 15 days to promote proper sporulation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Identification based on morphological and cultural characters of pathogen\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentification of the causative organism's genus relied on analyzing its morphological and cultural characteristics. These included observing conidial shape and size, mycelial coloration, colony growth patterns, pigmentation, and other growth traits. Additionally, pertinent scientific literature was consulted to aid in precise identification.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInoculated samples were incubated in Petri plates at a controlled temperature of 28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u0026deg;C for 15 days to facilitate active sporulation of the pathogen. Post-incubation, morphological and cultural features such as sporulation, pigmentation, mycelial growth, colony diameter (measured in millimetres), and overall colony appearance were meticulously examined and recorded. Conidial sizes were measured using an ocular micrometer, and spore counts were determined by preparing a mycelial suspension (1\u0026times;10\u0026sup3; CFU/ml) from a 10-day-old culture in sterile distilled water, followed by quantification using a haemocytometer. Furthermore, microphotographs of slides were taken to document conidial shape and size.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Pathogenic variation in stalk and midrib isolates on differential\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo evaluate the pathogenicity of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e, pure cultures of freshly prepared isolates obtained from stalks and midribs were utilized. These isolates, aged between 7 to 10 days, were employed in our experiments. For midrib isolates, strain CoJ 85 was selected, and pathogenicity tests were conducted in the field using healthy sugarcane plants. Specifically, we targeted the upper, middle, and lower leaves of each plant. A spore suspension with a concentration of 1\u0026times;10\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e CFU/ml was meticulously prepared in distilled water using a homogenizer. Inoculation of midrib isolates was performed using both the pin prick and cotton swab methods. Disease progression was monitored at 7-day intervals over a period of 21 days.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor stalk isolates, testing was carried out in a controlled laboratory environment using the same sugarcane variety. Stalk isolates were introduced via the plug method and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 20 days.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4. Symptomology of disease\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDisease data were meticulously recorded concerning infections and symptoms appearing on the leaf midrib and stalk. The observations concentrated on measuring lesion lengths along the midrib. Furthermore, canes were meticulously split open to examine infections, evaluating factors such as lesion width, the number of internodes breached by the pathogen, and the presence of white spots on the inner tissues.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.6. Integrated disease management of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e on sugarcane\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSugarcane is of considerable economic importance, but it faces a significant threat from red rot, a fungal disease that severely impacts its yield. To combat \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e effectively, one of the most damaging fungal pathogens in sugarcane, an integrated management study was conducted at the agricultural field of LPU campus in Punjab. The experiment used the CoJ 85 variety, planted as two-budded setts, and tested seven different treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times following a randomized block design during the 2022\u0026ndash;2023 growing season (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment details\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSr. No.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% + foliar spray of Bavistin @ 0.25%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spores\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Foliar spray of \u003cem\u003eT. harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/l\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Foliar spray of \u003cem\u003eT. harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/L\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spore suspension\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g / kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g / kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (no treatment)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThroughout the study, the sugarcane crop was meticulously monitored to evaluate disease intensity. Initial observations were recorded promptly upon the disease's detection in the field, using a predefined formula. Subsequent assessments were conducted at 15-day intervals to track the disease's progression and assess the effectiveness of the treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eRed rot, caused by the fungus \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e Went, poses a major threat to the cultivation of sugarcane varieties in states where sugarcane is grown, especially under the specific conditions found in Punjab. This study explores various scientific aspects, integrating pertinent weather variables and management strategies to tackle this urgent problem.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1. Isolation, Purification, and Identification\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eVarious isolates obtained from infected midrib and stalk samples of red rot were extracted using the method outlined in the Materials and Methods section (2.1 Collection, Isolation, and Purification), depicted in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. These cultures were subsequently transferred to test tube slants and stored in a refrigerator for further investigation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.1. Identification\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eRed rot samples were collected from different regions in Punjab, including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, and the LPU field. From these samples, we isolated distinct midrib and stalk strains: Kapurthala midrib isolates (KM-1), Kapurthala stalk isolates (KS-1), Jalandhar midrib isolates (JM-2), Jalandhar stalk isolates (JS-2), LPU field midrib isolate (LM-3), and LPU field stalk isolate (LS-3) of \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e. These isolates were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentification involved analyzing the pathogen's morphological and cultural characteristics, comparing the isolates with references in scientific literature. According to descriptions in previous studies, a creamy-grey fungus was isolated from both midrib and stalk samples (Sarkar, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1960\u003c/span\u003e; Prakasan and Venkatareddy, 1961; Sharma, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1970\u003c/span\u003e) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. Morphological and Cultural characters of pathogen\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMorphological and cultural traits of \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e were analyzed through direct observation and stereobinocular microscopic examination. Characteristics such as sporulation, pigmentation, mycelium growth, colony diameter (in mm), and overall colony development were evaluated. Conidia size for each isolate was measured using an ocular micrometer, and spore counts were determined with a hemocytometer. Microphotographs of slides were taken to record conidia shape and size.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1. Colony diameter of midrib and stalk isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe three midrib and stalk isolates were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium in Petri plates, and the colony diameters were measured at 3, 5, and 7 days post-incubation at 28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u0026deg;C in a BOD incubator. The data are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eColony diameter of midrib and stalk isolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSr. No.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIsolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eColony diameter (mm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3rd day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5th day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7th day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMidrib isolates\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKM-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJM-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLM-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStalk isolates\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKS-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJS-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLS-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1.1. Midrib Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmong the midrib isolates (KM-1, JM-2, and LM-3), rapid growth was observed with colony diameters ranging from 27.5 to 35.5 mm after 3 days of incubation. KM-1 exhibited the smallest colony diameter at 27.5 mm. By the 5th day, the midrib isolates showed significant growth; with diameters ranging from 55.5 to 59.5 mm. LM-3 displayed the smallest diameter at 59.5 mm. By the 7th day, the midrib isolates had nearly covered the Petri dishes; with colony diameters ranging from 79.5 to 84.5 mm. JM-2 had the smallest diameter at 79.5 mm (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1.2. Stalk Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn the 3rd day, the stalk isolates (KS-1, JS-2, and LS-3) also showed rapid growth, with colony diameters ranging from 24.5 to 29.5 mm. By the 5th day, their diameters had increased to 44.5\u0026ndash;51.5 mm. LS-3 exhibited the largest diameter at 51.5 mm. By the 7th day, the stalk isolates had grown further, with diameters ranging from 70.5 to 79.5 mm (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs indicated in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, there was significant variation in mycelial growth among the three midrib and stalk isolates of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e. Previous studies by Srinivasan (1969) and Viswanathan \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e (2003) also reported significant differences in colony growth patterns when investigating \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e pathotypes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2. Mycelium characters of midrib and stalk isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe growth pattern, sporulation, and pigmentation of the colonies isolated from midribs and stalks were observed after 7 days of incubation on PDA medium. Detailed data can be found in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eColony characters of midrib and stalk isolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIsolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eColony Characters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMycelium growth\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePigmentation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSporulation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKM-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaised fluffy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite cottony mass with light orange pigment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJM-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaised fluffy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhitish mycelium with greyish orange pigment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLM-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRaised fluffy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite mycelium with light orange colour\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKS-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlat\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhitish-grey mycelium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJS-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlat\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite mycelium with dark violet pigment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLS-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLess fluffy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhitish with pale orange pigmentation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+++ - High sporulation\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e++ - Medium sporulation\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e+ - Less sporulation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2.1. Midrib Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section5\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2.1.1. Mycelium growth pattern and Sporulation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll three midrib isolates of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e (KM-1, JM-2, and LM-3) exhibited a raised, fluffy mycelial growth pattern with abundant sporulation. However, JM-2 showed moderate sporulation compared to the other midrib isolates.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section5\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2.1.2. Colony colour\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe midrib isolates exhibited raised fluffy mycelial growth. The KM-1 isolate displayed a whitish cottony mass when viewed from the front, with a light orange pigmentation on the reverse side of the culture. In contrast, the JM-2 isolate featured white mycelium with light orange pigmentation on the front view and orange with grey pigmentation on the reverse of the culture plate. The LM-3 isolate resembled the KM-1 isolate; showing white mycelial masses with light orange pigmentation (see Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2.2. Stalk Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section5\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2.2.1. Mycelium growth pattern and Sporulation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo out of the three stalk isolates exhibit a flat colony growth pattern: KS-1 and JS-2. Meanwhile, the LS-3 isolate demonstrates a less fluffy mycelium growth pattern. All three isolates are expected to show medium to high levels of sporulation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section5\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2.2.2. Colony colour\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn stalk isolates, KS-1 exhibited a whitish-grey pigmentation. In contrast, isolate JS-2 displayed white mycelium accompanied by dark violet pigmentation in culture. The LS-3 isolate featured a less fluffy, whitish mycelium with a pale orange hue on the culture (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.3. Conidial characters of midrib and stalk isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eConidial size for each isolate was measured using an ocular micrometer. Spore count was determined by preparing a mycelial suspension (1\u0026times;10\u0026sup3; CFU/ml) from 10-day-old cultures in distilled sterilized water using a homogenizer, and counting with a hemocytometer. Microphotographs of slides were taken to record the shape and size of conidia, and detailed data are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConidial characteristics of midrib and stalk isolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMidrib isolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpore\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eshape\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpore size\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(L x B)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpore count\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(spores/ml)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStalk isolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpore shape\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpore size (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(L x B)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpore count (spores/ml)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKM-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFalcate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.7 x 6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104 x 10\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKS-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFalcate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.5 x 7.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125 x 10\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJM-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFalcate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.0 x 6.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e116 x 10\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJS-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFalcate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.8 x 7.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e113 x 10\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLM-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFalcate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.7 x 5.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107 x 10\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLS-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFalcate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.3 x 7.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 x 10\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMean size\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.1 \u0026micro;m x 6.1 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMean size\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.5 \u0026micro;m x 7.4 \u0026micro;m\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.3.1. Midrib Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe average dimensions of conidia from midrib isolates ranged around 26.1 \u0026micro;m x 6.1 \u0026micro;m. Among these isolates, JM-2 exhibited the largest conidia measuring 26.7 \u0026micro;m x 6.2 \u0026micro;m, while LM-3 had the smallest, measuring 24.7 \u0026micro;m x 5.3 \u0026micro;m. All conidia observed were falcate in shape, with sporulation counts ranging from 104 x 10\u0026sup2; to 116 x 10\u0026sup2; per isolate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.3.2. Stalk Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eStalk isolates displayed an average spore size of approximately 30.5 \u0026micro;m x 7.4 \u0026micro;m. These spores exhibited a falcate shape, with sporulation rates ranging from 100 x 10\u0026sup2; to 125 x 10\u0026sup2;. Among these isolates, KS-1 had the largest spores, measuring 34.5 \u0026micro;m x 7.9 \u0026micro;m, while JS-2 exhibited the smallest spores at 27.8 \u0026micro;m x 7.0 \u0026micro;m.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur observations regarding the morphological and cultural characteristics of various midrib and stalk isolates align closely with earlier studies by Chona and Srivastava (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1960\u003c/span\u003e). They noted that conidia from different isolates varied in length from 10 \u0026micro;m to 36 \u0026micro;m. Similarly, other studies have reported colony characteristics and conidial dimensions, with sizes ranging from 17.1 \u0026micro;m to 2.84 \u0026micro;m x 4.5 \u0026micro;m to 6.8 \u0026micro;m (Pandey and Sakel, 1974). Jothi (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e) categorized different \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e isolates based on criteria such as color, texture, and sporulation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Pathogenicity assay\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePathogenicity tests of midrib and stalk isolates of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e were conducted under both field and laboratory conditions using the CoJ 85 variety of sugarcane. For midrib isolates, inoculation was performed using two methods: the pin prick and cotton swab techniques on the upper, middle, and lower leaves of healthy plants. Disease progression was monitored at 7-day intervals for up to 21 days after inoculation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStalk isolates were inoculated using the plug method with a pure culture of the pathogen and were kept at room temperature. Disease symptoms were observed and recorded after a 20-day incubation period.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3.1. Midrib Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIsolates such as KM-1 and JS-2 were introduced into the CoJ 85 variety of sugarcane under field conditions. Using the pinprick method, these isolates were inoculated into the upper, middle, and lower leaves of each plant. Data was collected on the 7th, 10th, 16th, and 21st days post-inoculation. The lesions on the midribs of the inoculated leaves revealed larger sizes on the lower leaves and smaller sizes on the middle leaves of sugarcane. When comparing KM-1 and JS-2 isolates, KM-1 induced larger midrib lesions than JS-2. The details are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePathogenicity testing of midrib isolates under field conditions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMidrib isolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeaf\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7th day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10th day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16th day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21st day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKM-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUpper\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.3 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.6 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLower\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.5 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.0 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.3 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.0 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJM-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUpper\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.0 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLower\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0 cm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePathogenicity testing of stalk isolates under laboratory conditions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStalk isolates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLesion length\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNodal transgression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKS-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e++\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJS-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;50%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e+\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;25%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e-\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e++ - Both internodes\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e+ - Only one internode\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- - No internodes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pinprick method proved to be effective and efficient for evaluating the pathogenicity of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e isolates in sugarcane. Previous studies by Abraham et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1980\u003c/span\u003e) and Mehetre (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) have demonstrated that creating wounds using the pinprick method and inoculating with spore suspensions are reliable techniques for assessing the pathogenicity of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum\u003c/em\u003e species on plants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3.2. Stalk Isolates\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePathogenicity testing was conducted in a laboratory setting on stalk isolates such as KS-1 and JS-2 using the plug method on the sugarcane variety CoJ 85. Each stalk, inoculated with a 5 cm diameter piece from pure cultures of KS-1 and JS-2, was left at room temperature for 20 days before observations were made. The results showed significant differences: the KS-1 inoculated cane exhibited lesions covering two internodes with 100% spread, indicating susceptibility of CoJ 85 to KS-1. Meanwhile, JS-2 resulted in lesions covering nearly one internode with more than 50% spread, indicating an intermediate susceptibility of CoJ 85 to JS-2. These findings align with previous studies; Sandhu \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e (1974) noted that stalk isolates tend to be more virulent than midrib isolates. Additionally, Shukla et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e) suggested that while midrib isolates currently pose no immediate threat to sugarcane cultivation, they could potentially adapt to local varieties and infect stalks under natural conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5. Integrated disease management of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e on sugarcane\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA field experiment was conducted at the agriculture field of LPU campus in Punjab to assess integrated disease management strategies against \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e in sugarcane during 2022\u0026ndash;2023. Sugarcane of the CoJ 85 variety, planted with two-budded setts, was subjected to seven different treatments in a randomized block design with three replications per treatment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial disease incidence data were recorded before the first spray application, timed upon the appearance of initial disease symptoms in the field. Subsequent data collections occurred 15 days post-spray and again 15 days prior to harvesting. The disease intensity observations for each treatment are detailed in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eData of disease incidence during treatments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSl. No.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent disease index\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBefore 1st spray\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 days after spray\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 days before harvesting\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% + foliar spray of Bavistin @ 0.25%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*6.81(1.41)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*8.49(2.19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*17.77(9.32)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spores\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*16.54(8.11)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*23.74(16.21)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*33.14(29.89)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Foliar spray of \u003cem\u003eT. harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/l\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*12.94(5.01)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*17.81(9.37)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*24.26(16.88)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Foliar spray of \u003cem\u003eT.viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/L\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*13.18(5.20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*18.83(10.43)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*23.44(15.84)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spore suspension\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*13.33(5.32)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*19.62(11.28)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*25.76(18.86)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSett treatment with \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*13.84(5.72)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*17.84(9.40)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*25.19(18.12)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (No treatment)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*13.98(5.85)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*21.54(13.48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*29.57(24.36)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eS.Em \u0026plusmn;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCD at 5%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eC.V %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e* - Data are arcsine transformed\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e() \u0026ndash; Data in the bracket are original value of PDI\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003ePDI \u0026ndash; Percent disease index\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBefore the initial spray, the least disease intensity (1.41%) was noted in the treatment involving sett application of Bavistin @ 0.25% combined with foliar spray of Bavistin @ 0.25%. Conversely, the highest disease intensity (8.11%) occurred in the treatment using \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spores on setts. Other effective treatments included sett applications with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (5.01%), \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (5.20%), \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spore suspension with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg (5.32%), and \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg (5.72%), while the control showed 5.85% disease intensity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter 15 days post-spray, the treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% sett application plus foliar spray maintained the lowest disease intensity (2.19%). Following closely were treatments with Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (9.37%), \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg (9.40%), \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (10.43%), C. falcatum spore suspension with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg (11.28%), and the control with 13.48% disease intensity. The highest disease intensity (16.21%) was found in the treatment using \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spores on setts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrior to harvesting, the treatment with Bavistin @ 0.25% sett application plus foliar spray showed the best disease management (9.32%). The highest disease intensity (29.89%) was observed in the treatment using C. falcatum spores on setts. Other effective treatments included \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (15.84%), \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l (16.88%), \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg (18.12%), \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e spore suspension with \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg (18.86%), and the control with 24.36% disease intensity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBharadwaj and Sahu (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e) reported complete inhibition of \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e mycelial growth with Bavistin, underscoring its efficacy. Hence, among the treatments evaluated, Bavistin @ 0.25% sett application plus foliar spray emerged as the most effective, followed by treatments involving \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l and \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma viride\u003c/em\u003e @ 10g/kg plus foliar spray @ 10g/l. The application of \u003cem\u003eT. harzianum\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eT. viride\u003c/em\u003e aids in red rot control by directly impacting \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e and inducing systemic plant resistance (Yadav \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. 2008).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eRed rot, caused by \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e, poses a severe threat to global sugarcane production as it affects all parts of the plant\u0026mdash;leaves, midribs, and stalks. A study was conducted to analyze the morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability among midrib and stalk isolates of the red rot fungus. Significant differences were observed in mycelial growth among the three isolates, each displaying either raised fluffy or flat white mycelium with light orange pigmentation and medium to high levels of sporulation. Conidia were consistently falcate-shaped, averaging 28.3 \u0026micro;m x 6.75 \u0026micro;m in size.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePathogenicity tests using the pinprick and plug methods confirmed the effectiveness of both techniques in assessing disease severity on the sugarcane variety CoJ 85. Epidemiological studies conducted under natural conditions demonstrated a linear disease progression, highlighting the pivotal role of relative humidity in disease development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn managing red rot, a comparative evaluation of seven treatments revealed that applications containing Bavistin, \u003cem\u003eT. harzianum\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eT. viride\u003c/em\u003e were most effective. Beyond fungicides, the application of biocontrol agents has proven beneficial by directly impacting \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e and inducing systemic resistance in sugarcane plants propagated from treated setts.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA.C. Performed ResearchB. Wrote PaperD. Data analysis\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAbraham M, Karunakaran P, Mathew J 1980 Leaf spot disease of\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;Dioscorea alata Linn\u003c/em\u003e. Agri. Res J Kerala 18(1): 132-133\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAgnihotri VP 1996 Current sugarcane disease scenario and management strategies. Indian Phytopathology 49:109\u0026ndash;126\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAnonymous. 2022a \u003cem\u003ePress Information Bureau, Government of India\u003c/em\u003e. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Posted on October 5, 2022. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressRelese Detailm.aspx?PRID=1865320\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAnonymous. 2022b Tractor junction. Sugarcane production in India-Largest production states. Posted on February 3, 2022. https://www.tractorjunction.com/blog/sugarcane-production-in-india-largest-producing-states/\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBarber CA 1901 Sugarcane Disease in Godawari and Ganjam Districts. Madras Department Land Records and Agriculture Bulletin 512:181\u0026ndash;94\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBarber CA 1919 Studies on Sugarcane. Mem. Dept. Agri. India Bot. Ser 10:155\u0026ndash;179\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBharadwaj N, Sahu RK 2014 Evaluation of some fungicides, botanicals and essential oils against the fungus \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e causing red rot of sugarcane. The Bioscan 9(1):175-178.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eButler EJ, Khan AH 1913 Some new sugarcane diseases. Part I, Wilt, \u003cem\u003eMemoirs of Department of Agriculture\u003c/em\u003e, India, Botany Series 6:180-190.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChona BL, Srivastava DN 1960 Variations in \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e, the causal organism of red rot of sugarcane. Indian Phytopathlogy 13:58\u0026ndash;65\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFAO 2021 OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021-2030. \u003cem\u003eOECD Agriculture Statistics(Database).\u003c/em\u003e p. 150-162. https://www.fao.org/3/cb5332en/Sugar.pdf\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGhazanfar MU, Raza W, Gondal SK 2017 Screening of sugarcane cultivars against \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e causing red rot disease and its control with different fungicides under laboratory conditions. Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology 29(1):103 https://doi.org/10.33866/phytopathol.029.01.0381\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHughes CG 1974 The economic importance of ratoon stunting disease. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 15:213\u0026ndash;217\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eJothi R 1989 Studies on variation in red rot pathogen \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eWent of sugarcane\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKhan A, Awais M, Raza W, Zia A 2011 Identification of sugarcane lines with resistance to red rot. Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology 23(2):98-102\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMehetre PB 2009 Investigation on anthracnose of yam (\u003cem\u003eDioscorea alata\u003c/em\u003e L.) caused by \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum capsici\u003c/em\u003e (Syd.) Butler and Bisby under South Gujarat condition. M. Sc. (Horti.) (Doctoral dissertation, thesis submitted at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (unpublished)).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePandey LN, Sakel R 1974 New Pathogenic strain of \u003cem\u003eGlomerella tucumanensis\u003c/em\u003e (Speg.) Arx and Muller in Uttar Pradesh. Indian Sugar 24:707\u0026ndash;709\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePrakasam R, Venkatareddy TC 1961 Occurrence of light race of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e Went in Andhra Pradesh. Science and Culture 27:250\u0026ndash;251\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSandhu SS, Mehan VK, Singh K 1974 Role of leaf midrib lesions in epidemiology of red rot caused by \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e Went. in the Punjab. Indian sugar 24:391-395\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSarkar A 1960 Comparative study of two races of \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e Went. Science and Culture 26:83\u0026ndash;84\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSharma MN 1970 Occurrence of a new strain of \u003cem\u003ePhysalospora tucumamensis\u003c/em\u003e Speg. Nizamabad District of Andhra Pradesh\u003cem\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eScience and Culture 36:52-54\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eShukla RK, Pandey AK, Singh SP, Verma KP, Singh RR 2001 Studies on comparative pathogenic behaviour of stalk and midrib isolates of red rot pathogen (\u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eWent.). Indian Sugar 51(3):175-180\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSydow H 1924 Notizen Uber Ushlagineen. Ann Mycol Vol.22, pp. 277\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTalukder MI, Alam MS 2000 Effect of moist hot air treatment (MHAT) on control of white leaf disease and growth of sugarcane. Pakistan Sugar Journal 15(3):16-21\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eViswanathan R (2010) Plant Disease: Red Rot of Sugarcane, Anmol Publishers, New Delhi, India, 306 pp\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eViswanathan R, Malathi P, Padmanaban P 2003 Variation in sugarcane red rot pathogen \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e Went. In GP Rao, C Manoharachari, DJ Bhat, RC Rajak, TN Lakhanpal (Eds.), Frontiers of Fungal Diversity in India pp. 639\u0026ndash;667\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eViswanathan R, Sundar AR, Padmanaban P, Mohanraj D 2002 Red rot disease of sugarcane and its management. In: Upadhyay RK, Mukherji KG. Dubey OP, editors. IPM systems in agriculture Vol. 8 key pathogens and diseases. New Delhi: Aditya Books; p. 277\u0026ndash;301\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003evon Arx JA, Muller E 1954 Die Gattungen der amerosporen Pyrenomyceten. Beitr Kryptogamenflora Schweiz, 11:1\u0026ndash;434\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWent FAFC 1893 Het Rood Snot (Summary in English). Archiefvoor De Java Suikerindustrie 1:265\u0026ndash;282\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eYadav RL, Singh SN, Srivastava R , Lal SK, Awasthi BB 2008 Use of \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e for the control of red rot disease of sugarcane. Sugarcane International 26(4):28\u0026ndash;33\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Colletotrichum falcatum, Integrated disease management, Sugarcane, Red rot","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4677446/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4677446/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eRed rot, a devastating disease affecting sugarcane worldwide, is caused by the pathogen \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum falcatum\u003c/em\u003e. This menace poses a serious threat to sugarcane production, affecting all parts of the sugarcane plant, including leaves, midribs, and stalks. In our comprehensive study, we investigated the morphological, cultural, and pathogenic variability among isolates from midribs and stalks infected with the red rot pathogen. Our research revealed significant variations in mycelium growth among the three isolates from midribs and stalks. These isolates displayed distinct characteristics such as raised fluffy or flat white mycelium growth with light orange pigmentation and a medium to high level of sporulation. The conidia exhibited a falcate shape with an average size of 28.3 \u0026micro;m x 6.75 \u0026micro;m. Pathogenicity was assessed using both the pinprick and plug methods, both of which effectively evaluated disease severity in the CoJ 85 sugarcane variety. An epidemiological investigation highlighted the significant influence of relative humidity on disease development. To combat red rot, we evaluated seven different treatments. Among these, Bavistin, \u003cem\u003eTrichoderma harzianum\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eT. viride\u003c/em\u003e emerged as the most effective approaches. In addition to fungicides, biocontrol agents have shown promise in managing red rot by targeting \u003cem\u003eC. falcatum\u003c/em\u003e and inducing systemic resistance in treated plants.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Assessment and management of diverse isolates of Colletotrichum falcatum associated with Red Rot disease in sugarcane","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-07-29 10:49:37","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4677446/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"f9fdb31f-507c-494c-8a89-ed5cdf644de3","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 29th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-07-29T10:50:44+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-4677446","link":"https://doi.org/10.33545/2618060X.2024.v7.i7e.1062","journal":{"identity":"international-journal-of-research-in-agronomy","isVorOnly":true,"title":"International Journal of Research in Agronomy"},"publishedOn":"2024-07-01 10:50:44","publishedOnDateReadable":"July 1st, 2024"},"versionCreatedAt":"2024-07-29 10:49:37","video":"","vorDoi":"10.33545/2618060X.2024.v7.i7e.1062","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33545/2618060X.2024.v7.i7e.1062","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4677446","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4677446","identity":"rs-4677446","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}