There are two well-known rust diseases of sugarcane – orange rust caused by Puccinia kuehnii and brown rust caused by Puccinia melanocephala.
Orange rust (pictured) occurs in all cane-growing districts in Queensland and New South Wales and the disease is prevalent in humid summer conditions. Orange rust pustules are orange when fresh, shorter than those of brown rust and tend to form in clumps, more towards the leaf base.
Brown rust occurs during dry weather with cool nights and dews. Brown rust is most often seen in the spring in northern districts, and in late spring and into the summer in the south. Brown rust pustules are brown and are more elongated. The pustules are spread evenly, located more towards the leaf tip. View the Rusts information sheet below for more information and images.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Orange rust: Clusters of orange to orange-brown lesions on the plant. The spores are produced on the underside of the leaf and are spread by the wind.
- Brown rust: Brown rust pustules are brown and are more elongated. The pustules are spread evenly, located more towards the leaf tip.
MANAGEMENT
Many commercial varieties are resistant to rust.
INFORMATION SHEETS