Orange rust, a major pathogen affecting crops of Q124 in Queensland in 2000

Orange rust, caused by Puccinia kuehnii, reached epidemic proportions in crops of Q124 in Queensland in the 2000 crop. Orange rust has been in Queensland for over 100 years but rarely caused any economic effects. This outbreak is thought to have resulted from a change in strain of the pathogen. Yield losses were large in the Herbert and central Queensland districts, and in some parts of the Atherton Tableland; losses were lower in the Bundaberg area. Most of the Australian sugarcane germplasm is highly resistant to the disease and varietal resistance will be an important selection parameter in breeding strategies. Research into fungicidal control of the disease is current with the view to the development of commercial control options. An orange rust task force, comprising industry representatives, has coordinated the response to this outbreak and is helping to ensure economic losses are minimised.