Yield loss in sugar-cane due to culmicolous smut infection

Abstract

Field experiments, to determine the effects of culmicolous smut (Ustilago scitaminea Sydow) infection on cane yield in a series of sugar-cane varieties, were conducted in Guyana. A comparison is made between maximum potential yield losses as shown by inoculation and extrapolated actual yield losses resulting from infection levels occurring during an epidemic in the field which shows that in most instances the yield loss is insufficient to warrant variety replacement.