Red rot strikes: Sugarcane's 'cancer' detected in UP dists
The "cancer of sugarcane crop", red rot, has appeared in major sugarcane cultivating regions of Uttar Pradesh, causing concern among farmers. The disease occurs when one variety is consistently used and not changed, and is exacerbated when seeds and soil are not properly treated. The most affected variety is the 'CO 0238', which is popular due to its high yield. The disease, caused by the fungus 'Colletotrichum falcatum', is spread by wind, rain, and insects. Farmers are being urged to diversify their crops and treat seeds and soil properly.