Sugarcane is the source of over three quarters of the world's sugar, and is grown widely in the tropics and sub-tropics. Despite rising demand, average yields have not increased significantly, partly because of continued vulnerability to pests and diseases. In addition, cultivation has been seen as damaging biodiversity and soil health with a negative effect on both yields and the environment. This volume summarises the wealth of research addressing these challenges.
Volume 2 reviews advances in breeding and the management of pests and diseases. Part 1 assesses the latest research on sugarcane genetics, physiology and genetic diversity, and how this is informing advances in conventional, marker-assisted and transgenic breeding techniques. Part 2 discusses progress in understanding bacterial, fungal and viral diseases and their management, as well as the management of insect and nematode pests as well as weeds.
With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for sugarcane scientists, growers, government and non-governmental agencies responsible for supporting and monitoring the impact of sugarcane cultivation. It is accompanied by a companion volume reviewing cultivation and sustainability issues.