Information sheet : Fiji leaf gall
Abstract
Fiji leaf gall (FLG) has caused major disease epidemics in the
Australian sugarcane industry. The most severe epidemic
occurred in the 1970-1980 period in the Bundaberg region
when the susceptible variety NCo310 was widely grown. This variety was not only susceptible to FLG but was highly
favourable to the insect that spreads the disease. Initially,
disease management focused on seedcane inspections
with ongoing cultivation of NCo310. However, the disease
continued to spread rapidly and most growers close to the
centre of the epidemic could only grow a plant and firstratoon
crop before yield losses became severe. It was only
when NCo310 was discarded and highly resistant varieties
grown that the epidemic was brought under control. FLG was also recorded in the Central region in the 1980s,
but a more rapid application of the control measures led to
minimal losses in that region. FLG has now not been seen in
the Bundaberg region for over 30 years and in other southern
and NSW cane-growing districts for at least 10 years. It
appears likely that FLG area freedom for the Australian
sugarcane industry could be declared in the next 5-10 years
with eradication quite possible.