White leaf disease

Infected plants. Image SRA

Can cause reduced yields and sugar content. Losses of up to 100% have been reported overseas in susceptible varieties.

Symptoms

Leaves develop cream-white coloured stripes parallel to the midrib, which eventually cover the whole leaf.
Infected leaves are narrower than healthy leaves.
Plants tiller profusely, have short internode length and look bushy.
Poor ratooning after harvest, which results in patchy crops.

Spread

Transmitted by the exotic leafhoppers Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus and Yamatotettix flavovittatus .
Infected propagation material can also spread the disease.

High priority pest of: Sugarcane

Scientific name: Sugarcane white leaf phytoplasma
EPPRD Category: 3
Life Form: Phytoplasma