A review of the Northern Poor Root Syndrome of sugarcane in north Queensland

Problems involving poor or restricted root growth of sugarcane have been widespread in North Queensland and have a long history. BSES and Pest Board staff were investigating various types of poor root growth at least 30 years ago, and probably much earlier. These showed a wide range of symptoms which were ascribed to such diverse causal factors as nematodes, various other soil fauna, diseases such as chlorotic streak and bacterial mottle, possible soil fungal pathogens, nutritional problems, fertiliser burn, BHC toxicity, poor soils, poor soil structure, bad drainage, unsuitable varieties, etc. They could be found in most mill areas, although the intensity of symptoms varied greatly from year to year and between localities and mill areas. Observations and experimental work in the field and laboratory occupied a considerable amount of time over the years, but generally yielded little in the way of satisfactory results. Research on nematodes and calcium/magnesium nutrition can be quoted as two examples of this.