Currently, orange rust is one of the major diseases affecting sugar cane. Yield losses above 40% have been recorded for susceptible and intermediate genotypes in different countries, including Brazil. This study was developed with the aim of monitoring the major sugar cane genotypes grown in Brazil under high inoculum pressure for the occurrence and the development of orange rust. The experiment was conducted in an experimental field of Univalem Plant, Group "Raizen S.A.", located in Valparaiso (São Paulo State). The adopted experimental design was in randomized blocks with 38 treatments (genotypes) and four replicates. Each plot consisted of three lines of five meters, spaced 1.4 m apart. A line of genotype CV14, susceptible to orange rust, was included between each plot. From plant emergence, all plots were monthly monitored to determine the onset of symptoms. Once the first symptoms were noted, the severity of orange rust was monthly quantified on leaf +3 in three plants per plot. The most favorable months for the occurrence of this disease were February, March, April and May. Orange rust symptoms were observed for genotypes CTC 9, CV 14, RB93-5641, SP84-2025, RB72-454, SP89-1115, SP81-3250, RB85-5156, CTC 15, RB92579, SP83-2847 and RB92-5211. Genotypes SP84-2025 and CV 14 were most susceptible to the disease. This study contributes to improving the integrated management of orange rust in Brazil and assists breeding programs aimed at producing new varieties resistant to this disease.
Integrated management; epidemiology; genetic breeding
