Smut of Sugarcane in Louisiana. H. Koike, Research Plant Pathologist, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Houma, LA 70361. D. Fontenot, Assistant Specialist, Sugarcane and Alcohol, Louisiana State University Extension Service; K. Damann, Associate Professor, and R. Schlub, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803. Plant Dis. 65:1018. Accepted for publication 10 October 1981. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1981. DOI: 10.1094/PD-65-1018.

Ustilago scitaminea was discovered infecting sugarcane (interspecific hybrids of Saccharum) on a farm in Loreauville, Iberia Parish, LA, on 27 May 1981. Field surveys indicated that sugarcane smut was present at low incidence in three commercial cultivars in eight of 17 sugarcane-growing parishes.