The selection of an optimal sugarcane variety is vital for the successful production of refined sugar, as each variety exhibits varying potential for sugar accumulation. A significant threat to these varieties is disease outbreaks, particularly affecting mature stalks, with “Red Rot” being a prime concern. Recently, our primary variety, SPF-234, faced a substantial decline due to this disease. We are currently witnessing similar damage in our alternative variety, CPF-246, also afflicted by Red Rot. Consequently, replacing affected varieties has become a critical task for our Group. To address this challenge, we have recently introduced two disease-resistant varieties CP.77-400 and CPF-253 into our region to mitigate the impact. From the 2024 spring planting, we have also introduced two new sugarcane varieties J16-639 and J16-487. These varieties have been developed by the JDW’s Thatta Breeding Station. Hopefully, these varieties will become part of our crushing InshaAllah during 2026. Keeping in view the sucrose accumulation potential of these varieties we will InshaAllah achieve new heights in sugar recovery shortly.
The prominent diseases adversely affecting sugarcane varieties include “Red Rot,” “White Leaf,” and “Smut,” which have been prevalent within the crushing zones of JDW Group Mills. To safeguard our crops from these diseases, we have implemented the following strategies:
1. Introduction of disease-resistant varieties.
2. Management of insect vectors that spread White Leaf Disease (WLD).
3. Spray of fungicides for control of disease outbreaks.
