FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH LEAF SPOTS OF SUGAR CANE (Saccharum officinarum L)

Survey for fungi associated with leaf spots of sugarcane in Chittoor and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh during 1986-87 revealed that 26 species of fungi belonging to 10 genera were found associated with leaf spots of sugarcane. The leaf spots found were minor ones and their incidence was meagre ranging from 1 to 3 per cent in both the districts. In common, the incidence was more in ratoon crop and also in the plant crop aged more than 6 months. The different types of minor leaf spots found on sugarcane in the 2 districts of Chittoor and Nellore were described as : Spindle-shaped spots; dark brown linear blotches; reddish brown spindles; reddish brown lesions; Phyllachora leaf stripes; dark brown elongated lesions; dark purple streaks; dark purple midrib streaks; dark red linear lesions and dark red midribs. The morphology and taxonomy of the fungi isolated from the leaf spots were studied and the fungi were identified as belonging to 26 species classifiable into 10 genera