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Sugarcane disease new to Louisiana found in 2 fields
Published: Tuesday, July 10, 2012, 11:00 AM
By The Associated PressThe Associated Press
Orange rust, a fungus that can cut sugar production by as much as half, has been identified in two Louisiana sugarcane fields, LSU AgCenter scientists say. Average losses to the disease are considerably less than 50 percent, and Louisiana's cooler winters may help it avoid the damage that Florida has seen since the fungus was first identified there in 2007, AgCenter plant pathologist Jeff Hoy said Monday. "I'm hoping the climate may not be favorable," he said.
Hoy said Florida has had to stop growing some varieties that were very susceptible to the fungus, which originated in Asia and is a problem in Australia. Until an epidemic in 2000 it was considered a minor disease in Australia, where it had been known since the 1890s, according to BSES Ltd, the Australian sugar industry's research and development arm.
"We were expecting it before now. We're hoping that's a sign that something's working in our favor," he said .
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Published: Tuesday, July 10, 2012, 11:00 AM
By The Associated PressThe Associated Press
Orange rust, a fungus that can cut sugar production by as much as half, has been identified in two Louisiana sugarcane fields, LSU AgCenter scientists say. Average losses to the disease are considerably less than 50 percent, and Louisiana's cooler winters may help it avoid the damage that Florida has seen since the fungus was first identified there in 2007, AgCenter plant pathologist Jeff Hoy said Monday. "I'm hoping the climate may not be favorable," he said.
Hoy said Florida has had to stop growing some varieties that were very susceptible to the fungus, which originated in Asia and is a problem in Australia. Until an epidemic in 2000 it was considered a minor disease in Australia, where it had been known since the 1890s, according to BSES Ltd, the Australian sugar industry's research and development arm.
"We were expecting it before now. We're hoping that's a sign that something's working in our favor," he said .
More...
