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.