Search for Ratoon stunting disease of sugarcane in Bihar

Abstract

1. The latest findings about the disease as regards its symptoms and causal agent are summarised. 2. Observations made on 26 varieties in 8 factory reserved areas and Research Farms at Pusa and Patna in February–March 1955 showed that its two main symptoms, namely the discoloration of vascular bundles at nodes and the reduction in length of stalks without a corresponding decrease in their girth, were generally absent. 3. Experimental work with the stunted material of six varieties showed that (a) it gained both in length and girth of stalks when it was planted without any treatment but given optimum conditions of growth and (b) that the juice of these stunted canes failed to transmit the virus to healthy material. 4. (a) The percentage of blocked vascular bundles also fell when the stunted material was grown under favourable conditions and (b) there was no rise when healthy material was brought in close contact with the diseased (?) juice. 5. It may, therefore, be stated for the present that there is little likelihood of the disease being present in the State. Careful watch, however, is being maintained.