Orange rust spotted in crops

ORANGE rust, the fungi which devastated Mackay's sugarcane crop in 2000, has been spotted in Queensland crops once again.

ORANGE rust, the fungi which devastated Mackay's sugarcane crop in 2000, has been spotted in Queensland crops once again.

Canegrowers chairman Paul Schembri said although the fungi packed a serious punch, Mackay growers were not at a high risk yet.

"Orange rust is a fungal disease. It manifests itself in an orange discolouration on the cane plant," Mr Schembri said.

The fungi could not be removed. It restricted a plant's growth, which led to a loss in productivity from the crop.

Orange rust occurred in all cane-growing districts in Queensland and the disease was prevalent in humid summer conditions, he said.

"The 2000 year season... it took a lot of yield out of the crop," he said.

After the 2000 season cane growers changed from the Q124 variety, to Q208, which now makes up 24% of the state's crop.

"The BSES found orange rust on some plantations of Q208... it was only a small amount," he said.

When the sugar industry is threatened by pests or disease it combats the issue by diversifying the varieties of cane.

"I don't think this will be the end of the Q208 variety just yet," Mr Schembri said.

Originally published as Orange rust spotted in crops