Introduction of sugarcane smut caused by Ustilago scitaminea in Morocco
Sugarcane smut caused by Ustilago scitaminea has been introduced into Morocco in 1993 and is now present in all the major sugarcane cultivars which are grown in the Gharb and Loukkous regions. Only the Moulouya region has remained free from sugarcane smut. Surveys have shown that the disease is now widespread in these regions and that its incidence has increased. To control sugarcane smut the following sanitation methods are applied: avoidance of susceptible cultivars, roguing of infected plants, reduction of physiological stress and monitoring of nurseries producing disease-free plants. Important work is also carried out on the development of resistant cultivars. Ustilago scitaminea is a rather widespread fungus and is present in many countries where sugarcane is grown. In the Euro-mediterranean region, the CABI map (CABI, 1991) indicates its occurrence in Portugal and Egypt.
Sources
Akalach, M.; Touil, B. (1996) Occurrence and spread of sugarcane smut caused by Ustilago scitaminea in Morocco.
Plant Disease, 80(12), 1363-1366.
CABI map No. 79, 6th edition (1991), CAB International, Wallingford, UK