Sugarcane Root Security: Managing Lesion & Root-Knot Nematodes

Sugarcane crops suffer hidden, ongoing yield loss due to complex infestations of root-knot (Meloidogyne), root-lesion (Pratylenchus), and stunt nematodes. Nematodes attack young sett roots, impairing water and fertilizer uptake. Above-ground symptoms include poor tillering, uneven germination, chlorosis, and severe ratoon stunting, which drops cane weight and juice percentage.

Because sugarcane remains in the soil for multiple seasons across main and ratoon crops, nematode populations build up significantly over time. Nematode attack on sugarcane roots destroys fine root hairs, forms dark lesions, and causes root tip necrosis or galling. Above ground, fields show uneven germination, yellowing leaves resembling iron chlorosis, thin stalks, short internodes, and heavy yield decline, especially in ratoon crops. Root system impairment also reduces the cane's ability to anchor firmly, leading to increased risk of lodging during high winds. Integrated control relies on bio-treatment of sugarcane setts before planting, applying press mud and neem cake to enrich soil organic matter, soil application of entomopathogenic and nematicidal fungi like Paecilomyces, and timely application of bio-pesticides through fertigation systems.