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LIVING WITH AND MANAGING SUGARCANE ORANGE RUST: A NEW DISEASE OF SUGARCANE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Extension Education

Leslie Baucum
Extension Agent III, MS
HENDRY COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
LABELLE

Abstract

\r\n The 2007 discovery of Sugarcane Orange Rust (OR) in Florida was the first known occurrence in the Western hemisphere.  This virulent pathogen now infects 5 (of 7) major varieties occupying 81% of Florida’s sugarcane acreage.  Objectives:  Using workshops, field demonstrations, on-farm consultations, and follow-up visits, growers representing 70% of Florida’s sugarcane acreage will correctly identify OR in the field, identify susceptible varieties, and identify OR-suppressing fungicide application strategies that avoid the development of fungicide resistance.  Methods:  Yield losses of 40% have been seen in trials, with estimated losses in commercial sugarcane of 11.5% in biomass and 13% in sucrose.  With advisory committee input, a series of Extension programs were designed to disseminate time-critical information to clientele including international workshops, field days, and farm consultations.  Results:  Data showed early-season fungicide applications were most effective in suppressing late-season pathogen population pressures and minimizing losses.  After participating in Extension events, growers representing 90% of Florida’s sugarcane correctly identified OR, listed the most susceptible varieties, understood the importance of fungicide application timing and discussed the importance of growing multiple sugarcane varieties while alternating different fungicide chemistries for disease management.  Conclusions:  Field scouting identified early-season OR infections in 2009. Based on extension recommendations, 8,500 acres were treated with multiple fungicide applications (cost = $637,500).  Multiple freeze events in early-2010 led to considerably lower OR population pressures; extension recommendations were modified to discourage early season applications.  Thus, only 700 acres were treated (cost = $17,500), helping growers realize a savings of $620,000 with reduced fungicide applications. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: L.E. Baucum, R.W. Rice, R.N. Raid
  1. Baucum, L. Regional Agronomic Extension Agent II, NACAA, Florida, 33975
  2. Rice, R. Palm Beach County Extension Agent IV, NACAA, Florida, 33430
  3. Raid, R. Professor, none, Florida, 33430