Eman Khan1, Tawqeer Abbas1, Muhammad Nadeem Hassan1 and Muhammad Ehsan Khan2
1Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan; ehsansrdb@gmail.com
2Sugarcane Research and Development Board (Punjab), Pakistan
Red rot, caused by Colletotrichum falcatum, is one of the most devastating fungal diseases of sugarcane occurring in Pakistan and is often referred to as “sugarcane cancer”. The pathogen, C. falcatum, shows significant variability, leading to the breakdown of resistance in many sugarcane varieties. This study aims to identify and characterize the ITS regions of C. falcatum races and pathotypes prevalent in Punjab, Pakistan. A survey was conducted across major sugarcane-growing districts of Punjab to assess the incidence of red rot disease in different varieties. Infected canes were systematically sampled for the isolation of C. falcatum. The isolates were initially characterized based on morphological and virulence traits. The genetic diversity of the virulent strains was analyzed using highly reliable and reproducible techniques, such as inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Specific primers for C. falcatum have been designed to enable early detection of red rot disease. Valuable insights are provided for growers regarding the genetic diversity of existing C. falcatum isolates, aiding in the early diagnosis and effective management of red rot disease.