Bipolaris sacchari

Sugarcane-_Eyespot_(Pathogen-_Bipolaris_sacchari)

Bipolaris sacchari

Bipolaris sacchari is a fungal plant pathogen that primarily affects sugarcane crops. It belongs to the genus Bipolaris within the family Pleosporaceae. This pathogen is known to cause a disease called sugarcane brown spot, which can lead to significant yield losses in sugarcane cultivation.

Description

Bipolaris sacchari is a filamentous fungus that typically infects sugarcane plants through wounds or natural openings. Once inside the plant tissue, it colonizes and spreads, causing characteristic symptoms such as dark brown to black lesions on the leaves, stems, and sometimes the inflorescence of the sugarcane plant. These lesions can coalesce, leading to extensive damage and reduced photosynthetic capacity of the plant.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Bipolaris sacchari involves both sexual and asexual reproduction. The fungus produces conidia, which are a type of spore, that are dispersed by wind or rain to infect new sugarcane plants. Under favorable environmental conditions, the conidia germinate and penetrate the plant tissue, initiating the infection process.

Management

Management of Bipolaris sacchari primarily involves cultural practices and fungicidal treatments. Practices such as crop rotation, removal of infected plant debris, and maintaining proper plant nutrition can help reduce the incidence of the disease. Fungicides may also be applied preventatively or curatively to control the spread of the pathogen.

Importance

Sugarcane brown spot caused by Bipolaris sacchari is a significant concern for sugarcane growers worldwide. Yield losses due to this disease can impact the economic viability of sugarcane cultivation. Research efforts are ongoing to develop resistant sugarcane varieties and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the impact of this pathogen.