Sugarcane leaf scald is a systemic disease caused by Xanthomonas albilineans that limits sugarcane yield and quality. Previous research has shown that exogenous application of copper hydroxide to plants is effective in controlling this disease. However, long-term bactericide use causes serious "3R" problems: resistance, resurgence, and residue. It is therefore urgent to discover new methods for the improvement of bactericide efficiency and efficacy. In the present study, disease index values for leaf scald were measured in sugarcane seedlings over time to determine the effects of different concentrations of copper hydroxide, types of silicon additive, and treatment timing after inoculation with X. albilineans on controlling sugarcane leaf scald disease. Our results show copper hydroxide mixed with organosilicon additive could improve the bactericide efficiency and efficacy and reduce the growth of pathogenic bacteria, even at a reduced concentration in both laboratory and field conditions. This study provides an important practical model for controlling sugarcane leaf scald disease by reducing the concentration of bactericide and increasing its efficacy in sugarcane fields.
Keywords: Xanthomonas albilineans; bactericide; disease resistance; silicon; sugarcane disease.