Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part H (2025)

Sugarcane yellow leaf disease (YLD) is one of the important viral disease in sugarcane. It is caused by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV), a positive sense single stranded RNA virus primarily transmits through infected setts and secondarily transmits through aphid Melanaphis sacchari. Earlier, it was identified as a minor disease in India, but in recent years it attained the epidemic status with the disease incidences from 30 to 50% in plant crop and more than 70% in ratoon crops which significantly affected the crop productivity. The most characteristic symptom of YLD is a distinct yellowing of the lower surface of the leaf midrib on young leaves at the apex of the mature plants, which can extend laterally to the leaf lamina. Conventional disease management approaches including chemical treatments and cultural practices have proven inadequate due to systemic and persistent nature of causal agents, often phytoplasmas or viruses. Meristem culture, a tissue culture based technique, offers a promising alternative for the production of disease free planting material by exploiting the fact that meristematic tissues are often free of systemic pathogens, phytoplasmas or viruses. Tissue culture plantlets of two varieties viz., Co 86032 and VSI 08005 were transplanted and MHAT (Moist Hot Air Treatment at 54 0C) treated two varieties viz., Co 86032 and VSI 08005 and control of two varieties Co 86032 and VSI 08005 were planted at VSI farm and were observed throughout the year for the natural incidence of YLD. The incidence of YLD was observed in all treatments during the year except tissue culture plantlets of Co 86032. However, the incidence of YLD noticed late in plot where TC plantlets ad MHAT treated seedlings are used. This seems that there may be secondary spread of the disease due to some sucking pests. The resulting plantlets were evaluated through molecular diagnostics and symptom observation confirming the absence of YLD. This approach demonstrates the potential of meristem culture as a sustainable and efficient method for managing YLD.