Biotechnological Strategies Adopted for Sugarcane Disease Management in Tucumán, Argentina

Sugarcane diseases can be controlled by an integrated management approach where biotechnological tools can successfully contribute. The Obispo Colombres Agroindustrial Experimental Station (EEAOC) in Tucumán (Argentina’s main sugarcane producer) has successfully implemented multiple strategies that greatly enhance the productivity of sugarcane fields. The local breeding program develops resistant varieties by applying molecular markers to reveal the presence of Bru1 gene for brown rust resistance throughout the EEAOC germplasm collection. In addition, SNP alleles linked to novel sources of resistance were identified following a selective genotyping strategy. Another strategy is the implementation of a seed cane sanitation project using hydrothermal therapy, an in vitro culture technique, molecular diagnosis of diseases, and bionanoparticles. As a result, the incidence of systemic diseases has significantly decreased in the production fields. More recently, the use of biological products has shown to be effective for disease control in EEAOC varieties. In summary, several biotechnological strategies including molecular markers associated with resistant sources, in vitro culture of apical meristems, molecular diagnostic techniques, and the use of bioproducts are being successfully used for the sustainable management of sugarcane diseases in Tucumán, Argentina.