Disease can reduce sugarcane crop by up to 45%

Sugarcane Mosaic Syndrome (SMC) has established itself in recent years as one of the biggest challenges for the sugar and energy sector, due to its direct impact on the productivity and quality of the raw material. According to Bruno Picareli, technical sales representative, the concern is growing because the disease is not caused by a single agent, but rather by the interaction between phytopathogenic fungi, adverse environmental conditions, and chemical stresses. SMC manifests itself through symptoms such as chlorosis and generalized yellowing of the leaves, severe wilting during periods of heat and drought, reduced tillering, failures in plant stands, and a drop in Total Recoverable Sugars (TRS). Recent studies indicate that losses can reach 45% of productivity, directly affecting the profitability of the producer and the efficiency of the mills. To mitigate these impacts, experts emphasize the need for integrated management. Among the recommended practices are: rotation of ...