Question

Write the names of two diseases of sugarcane.

Hint:

Red rot = "cancer of sugarcane"; Smut = black whip-like growth.

Answer 1

Step 1: Importance of sugarcane diseases.
Sugarcane is a major commercial crop and is highly susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. Identifying key diseases is essential for crop protection.
Step 2: Examples of major diseases.
1. Red rot – caused by the fungus \textit{Colletotrichum falcatum}, characterized by reddening and rotting of canes. It is the most devastating disease of sugarcane.
2. Smut – caused by \textit{Sporisorium scitamineum}, characterized by black whip-like structures emerging from the cane top.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The two major diseases are Red rot and Smut.