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Use of Helminthosporoside to Select Sugarcane Seedlings Resistant to Eye Spot Disease. Ralph S. Byther, Department of Genetics and Pathology, Experiment Station, Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822; Gary W. Steiner, Department of Genetics and Pathology, Experiment Station, Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822. Phytopathology 62:466-470. Accepted for publication 9 November 1971. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-62-466.

The host-specific toxin produced by Helminthosporium sacchari was evaluated for its use in determining the reaction of sugarcane (Saccharum sp. hybrids) seedlings to eye spot disease. Progeny reactions to spray applications of toxin were related to parental eye spot disease ratings. Seedling response to toxin was indicative of their adult plant reactions. The concentration of toxin influenced the number of seedlings showing symptoms and symptom intensity. Seedlings susceptible to eye spot can be removed from a population by spray applications of toxin.