Trichoderma for Sugarcane: Natural Biofungicide for Sett Treatment, Root Rot Control & Higher Cane Yield

Trichoderma for Sugarcane: Natural Biofungicide for Sett Treatment, Root Rot Control & Higher Cane Yield

Sugarcane is a long-duration commercial crop that requires a healthy root system throughout its growth cycle to produce thick, heavy canes with high sucrose content. Since the crop remains in the field for 10–18 months, it is highly vulnerable to soil-borne fungal pathogens that infect cane setts, roots, and the basal stem region. These diseases reduce germination, weaken root growth, decrease tillering, and lower cane yield and sugar recovery.

Trichoderma is a beneficial fungal biofungicide that provides long-term biological protection against harmful soil fungi while promoting vigorous root development and healthy crop growth. Species such as Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma asperellum, and Trichoderma koningii colonize the rhizosphere, suppress disease-causing fungi, and improve soil microbial activity, making them valuable tools in modern sugarcane cultivation.

Unlike chemical fungicides that offer short-term protection, Trichoderma establishes itself around the root zone and continues protecting the crop while improving nutrient availability and soil health.

Benefits of Trichoderma in Sugarcane

  • Improves sett germination and sprouting.
  • Protects cane setts from fungal infection.
  • Reduces seed piece decay after planting.
  • Encourages faster root establishment.
  • Promotes extensive root development.
  • Improves nutrient and water uptake.
  • Enhances tillering and shoot population.
  • Produces stronger and healthier canes.
  • Increases cane girth and internode development.
  • Improves cane weight and biomass.
  • Supports higher sucrose accumulation and sugar recovery.
  • Improves ratoon crop performance.
  • Enhances beneficial soil microbial activity.
  • Reduces dependence on chemical fungicides.
  • Improves long-term soil fertility.

Diseases Managed

Trichoderma helps suppress several important soil-borne diseases affecting sugarcane, including:

  • Sett Rot
  • Root Rot
  • Red Rot (reduces initial infection pressure as part of integrated management)
  • Pineapple Disease
  • Wilt
  • Collar Rot
  • Damping-off in nursery planting material
  • Fusarium Root Rot
  • Rhizoctonia Root Rot
  • Pythium Root Rot
  • Sclerotium-related basal infections

Mode of Action

Trichoderma protects sugarcane through multiple biological mechanisms:

  • Rapidly colonizes cane setts and the root zone.
  • Competes with disease-causing fungi for nutrients and space.
  • Produces enzymes that break down pathogenic fungal cell walls.
  • Releases natural antifungal metabolites.
  • Directly parasitizes harmful fungi through mycoparasitism.
  • Activates the plant's natural defense mechanisms.
  • Stimulates root branching and root biomass.
  • Improves nutrient cycling and beneficial microbial populations in the soil.

This biological activity provides season-long protection and healthier crop development.

Recommended Application

Sett Treatment

Prepare a suspension using 10–15 g of Trichoderma powder per litre of water and dip cane setts for 20–30 minutes before planting.

Soil Application

Mix 2–4 kg per acre of Trichoderma powder with 100 kg of well-decomposed FYM or compost and broadcast evenly before planting or during earthing-up.

Furrow Application

Apply Trichoderma-enriched compost directly into planting furrows before placing the cane setts to establish beneficial fungi around emerging roots.

Drip Irrigation

Liquid Trichoderma formulations may be applied through drip irrigation or irrigation water according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Ratoon Crop Application

Apply Trichoderma with compost immediately after harvesting the previous crop to encourage healthy ratoon sprouting and reduce disease pressure.


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