SUGAR-CANE FUNGI AND DISEASES OF PORTO RICO

Abstract

The sugar cane (Saccharum offiinarum) as an economic crop has been grown in Porto Rico since at least 1548, when the first mill was erected and during all this period has doubtless suffered from the various common diseases, although no published reports are available until about 1870-80. During this latter period there occurred a most serious epidemic in the western section of the Island, occasioning heavy loss. From that time on, although the epidemic as such passed, there was continued loss through cane diseases, combatted as information given by planters indicates, by change of land and the introduction of new varieties. Following the American occupation, which gave a great impetus to the industry, the greatly increased areas given over to cane have meant increased losses from fungus attacks, more especially where the extra care in cultivation, so necessary when one crop is grown continuously, has not been given.