Bacteria Associated with the Ratoon Stunting Disease of Sugarcane in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Xanthomonas vasculorum-like organisms were isolated from xylem vessels in the nodal regions of sugarcane plants of varieties B. 49119, Co. 421, and P.R. 980 affected by ratoon stunting disease. The isolates were identified via biochemical and serological tests probably as X. vasculorum. One of the isolates produced symptoms closely resembling those associated with the ratoon stunting disease. Healthy plants inoculated with juice expressed from ratoon stunted canes, and passed through a Seitz bacterial filter, failed to develop symptoms of the disease.