Evaluation of Meristem and Tissue Culture Techniques for the Management of Yellow Leaf Disease in Sugarcane

Aims: The study aimed to produce Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus (ScYLV) free planting material through meristem tip culture, confirm virus elimination using molecular diagnostics, and evaluate the field performance of tissue culture raised sugarcane plantlets. Study Design: Experimental laboratory and field-based study. Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was carried out at the Tissue Culture Laboratory, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India, during 2021– 2023. Methodology: Meristem tip culture was used to regenerate plantlets of two sugarcane cultivars, CoA 92081 and CoA 14321. In vitro–raised plantlets were indexed for ScYLV using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with virus-specific primers. Naturally infected field samples served as positive controls. Virus-free plantlets were hardened, transplanted under field conditions, and monitored for Yellow Leaf Disease (YLD) incidence. Growth parameters and cane yield from tissue culture derived seed setts were compared with those from conventional planting material. Results: RT-PCR analysis confirmed the presence of ScYLV in naturally infected samples, while no viral amplification was detected in tissue culture raised plantlets, indicating effective virus elimination through meristem culture. A total of 2,500 plantlets of CoA 92081 and 2,000 plantlets of CoA 14321 were established in the field. No YLD symptoms were observed during early crop growth; however, low disease incidence was recorded at later stages (3.1% in CoA 92081 and 4.9% in CoA 14321), likely due to secondary infection through insect vectors. Tissue culture–derived plants showed higher germination, improved shoot population, reduced disease incidence, and increased cane yield (74.33 t ha⁻¹) compared to conventional planting material (67.33 t ha⁻¹). Conclusion: Meristem tip culture coupled with RT-PCR indexing is an effective strategy for producing ScYLV free sugarcane planting material. The use of virus-free seed cane improves crop vigour and yield while reducing disease incidence. Integration of tissue culture based seed production with vector management is essential for sustainable control of Yellow Leaf Disease and prevention of varietal degeneration in sugarcane.