Red Rot Disease of Sugarcane: Current Status, Pathogen Biology, and Integrated Management Strategies

Red rot of sugarcane, caused by the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Colletotrichum falcatum Went, remains one of the most devastating diseases threatening global sugarcane production. Characterized by severe yield losses, deterioration of juice quality, and frequent breakdown of host resistance, the disease has earned recognition as the “cancer of sugarcane.” Recent epidemics driven by highly virulent pathotypes such as CF13, along with emerging disease complexes involving Thielaviopsis paradoxa, have intensified economic losses, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogen biology, molecular determinants of virulence, and host–pathogen interactions underlying red rot disease. Emphasis is placed on advances in understanding genetic resistance, including quantitative trait loci (QTLs) such as qREDROT and key regulatory components like the 26S protease regulatory subunit. The review further evaluates integrated disease management (IDM) strategies encompassing resistant cultivars, sett sanitation, chemical and biological control, rapid phenotyping tools, molecular diagnostics, and genomics-assisted breeding approaches. Emerging technologies, including high-throughput phenotyping, LAMP-based diagnostics, genomic selection, and CRISPR-mediated genome editing, are highlighted as promising tools for achieving durable resistance. Collectively, this review underscores the necessity of a knowledge-driven, integrated, and technology-enabled approach to sustainably manage red rot and safeguard the long-term productivity and profitability of sugarcane cultivation.