The Hindu Business Line : Yellow leaf syndrome virus attacks sugarcane in AP

INCIDENCE of yellow leaf syndrome virus attacks in sugarcane have been reported in at least two places in the North Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh.

Agricultural scientists said this was perhaps the first incidence of this virus from the luteovirus group in the State. The attack is marked by yellowing of midrib portion of the plant.

Initial studies indicate that the virus might have erupted in a particular atmospheric condition. The virus has not spread through mechanical means. "An infected seed can spread it," Dr V. Bharati, a scientist at the Sugarcane and Rice Research Centre at Rudrur in Nizamabad district, told Business Line over phone.

Farmers are advised not to source seeds from the infected crop. The advisory also wanted the farmers to sanitise the seeds in hot water (52 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes) before sowing. This would also help in facing some other attacks.

Issues such as the extent of the spread of the virus or the damage it could cause are yet to be ascertained. "Studies are in a primary stage," she said.

However, the virus attack could have significant impact on the yields as it hit the plant at the crucial maturity stage.

The attention of the scientists was first drawn to the virus attack in a small stretch in Medak district last year.

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