Dispersal, Yield Losses and Varietal Resistance of Sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSMV) in Indonesia

Sugarcane streak mosaic virus (SCSMV) is a new virus affecting sugarcane plantation in Indonesia. Since the first report in 2005, the virus was widely distributed across Java Island. A field survey was conducted to monitor the expansion of SCSMV distribution in sugarcane plantation and to estimate the impact of SCSMV infection on cane yields. The results of the survey revealed that there was a more widespread occurrence of SCSMV. The virus has infected sugarcane plantation at Jatitujuh SF and Subang SF and this was the first report of SCSMV in that area. SCSMV infection rate also increased with disease incidence ranging from 0.44-86.75%. The rapid distribution of SCSMV was due to the transmissibility of SCSMV through cane cuttings and transportation of planting materials from one area to other areas regardless the health of cane cuttings. The widespread occurrence of SCSMV was also related with the dispersal of variety PS 864 which is highly susceptible to SCSMV. Infection of SCSMV caused a significant reduction to cane yields and also affected cane growth particularly on stalk diameter and number of stalk per stool. To control and prevent the further virus distribution, the use of virus-free cane cuttings and planting resistant variety is recommended. Some promising varieties such as PS 05-103, PS 06-181 and PS 04-526 could be projected to replace the susceptible varieties.