Multi-purpose sugarcane which has been developed during JIRCAS Second Medium -Term Plan is expected to contribute to the relief of food and energy issues in the world through its ability to efficiently co-produce food and energy simultaneously. But sugarcane white leaf disease (SCWL) and stem-borer insects are obstacles against its introduction to field production in developing areas.
SCWL is one of the most destructive sugarcane diseases which are widespread in South and Southeast Asian countries (Fig. 1). The disease is caused by plant pathogenic phytoplasma transmitted by the leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura) (Fig.2). This research project consists of three major components: establishment of risk assessment method on the transmission of the disease, improvement of seed-cane production and field cultivation management, and economic evaluation of the benefits of incorporating the technologies. The outcomes of these research components will be integrated into a ‘guideline of disease management’ for sugarcane producers in developing regions in the world.