Occurrence of sugarcane rust (Puccinia melanocephala and Puccinia sp.) in Kagoshima Prefecture

Abstract

Two sugarcane rusts caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Sydew and Puccinia sp. were observed in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1984. The shape of the uredospore and teliospore of Puccinia sp. was similar to that in Puccinia kuehnii Butler except that paraphases could not be found in the uredinium and telium. Disease development caused by P. melanocephala decreased in summer while that caused by Puccinia sp. increased in summer and reached the maximum level in October. The temperature suitable for germination and germ tube growth of the uredospores of both fungi ranged between 22-28°C.