Control measures against Ustilago scitaminea in Morocco
In 1994, Ustilago scitaminea (sugarcane smut) was reported for the first time in Morocco (see EPPO RS 97/070). The disease rapidly spread to the major sugarcane-growing regions (Gharb, Loukkos). This extremely rapid spread was probably favoured by the widespread planting of susceptible cultivars and a long period of drought (1992/93). Following this introduction, phytosanitary measures were taken to control the disease. Studies showed that the incidence and severity of the disease could be maintained below the economic threshold by applying the following measures: use of resistant cultivars, destruction of highly infested fields, use of hot water treatment (together with fungicides) for the production of healthy planting material, general surveillance of sugarcane-growing regions, and information of growers.
Sources
Nadif, A.;; Akalach, M. (1999) Ustilago scitaminea au Maroc: maîtrise d’une maladie de quarantaine.
Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin, 29(4), 451-453.