Characterization of Sugarcane Mosaic Disease and Its Management with PGPR

Sugarcane mosaic caused by sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is a serious problem in India’s sugarcane production. SCMV was first reported in India from Pusa during 1921 in sugarcane variety D-99, and now it has been reported in every sugarcane-growing areas across India due to its perpetuation through vegetative cuttings and regarded it as a potential threat to sugarcane industry. Our present study was focused on the characterization of SCMV and use of PGPR strains to manage the disease. A survey was undertaken in sugarcane-grown areas of Andhra Pradesh, India, and found the sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) and corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis) as potential vectors for ScMV. Vector transmission was confirmed using DAC-ELISA. Further, the ScMV was detected in diseased leaves through DAC-ELISA and RT-PCR during our survey. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to detect ScMV from diseased leaf samples. The results showed that all the leaf samples collected showed a positive reaction to the presence of ScMV in RT-PCR with a band at around 0.98 kbp. Further, asymptomatic leaves also have shown a positive reaction with RT-PCR for the presence of ScMV. Whereas, SEM studies showed the presence of potyvirus filamentous particles related to ScMV. To manage ScMV, several PGPR strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of sugarcane samples collected during our surveys using standard isolation methods. Studies are being undertaken to identify these strains and further to evaluate their efficacy against ScMV in sugarcane under in vitro and in vivo conditions.