PCR analysis data showed high correlation with field
screening results in the context of early and accurate
screening of smut resistance. Sugarcane smut specific
primers detected sugarcane smut DNA in all plant parts
inoculated with sporidia but their microscopic observations
were failed or difficult to detect even 1 week after inoculation. It is suggested that resistance is expressed only in
fully–grown well developed seedlings should be considered as an indicator, as the young plantlets register high
mortality rates irrespective of resistance ratings (Olweny
et al. 2008). PCR method has been successfully utilized by
different authors for the authentic detection of smut
infection in early stage