Effectiveness of hot water treated seed for controlling pest and diseases in different mechanically harvested sugarcane varieties
- Author
- Makina, Darlington.
- Title
- Effectiveness of hot water treated seed for controlling pest and diseases in different mechanically harvested sugarcane varieties
- Abstract
- One of the most important areas of research for sustainable sugarcane production is the extent to which hot water treatment of sugarcane seeds controls diseases and pests in various ratoon cycles in mechanically harvested sugarcane systems. This study examined how hot water treatment affects disease suppression, pest incidence and seed viability throughout a range of ratoon cycles. Key agronomic factors such as plant vigor, levels of pest infestation and disease prevalence across several ratoon generations, were evaluated. The experiment was carried out as a 2×3 factorial, laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that hot water treatment significantly (p<0.001) reduced smut disease incidence, with untreated ZN10 showing the highest incidence as compared to treated N53. Similarly, hot water treatment seed cane consistently exhibited lower Eldana infestations across tested varieties, with untreated varieties showing high Eldana population than hot water treated varieties. The analysis of Eldana damage intensity further confirmed significant differences (p<0.001), with untreated varieties suffering from high damage intensity rates. Regarding ratoon stunted disease, untreated ZN10 had the highest incidence while hot water treated N53 showed remarkable resistance incidence. These findings underscore the potential of hot water treatment as an effective pest and disease management strategy in sugarcane cultivation, promoting healthier crops and potentially increasing yields in mechanized farming systems. Future research should explore optimal treatment conditions and long-term impacts on sugarcane productivity.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Sugarcane
- Plant Vigor
- Supervisor
- Mr. J. Chitamba
- Item sets
- Department of Crop Sciences
