Characterising the potential association of invertebrates with Yellow Canopy Syndrome of sugarcane

Yellow canopy syndrome (YCS) is a complex syndrome for which no definitive cause has been determined. Recent studies have focused on what role invertebrates may play in the expression of this syndrome. Modified sampling methods were used to capture dispersive stages of both crawling and flying invertebrates, which live either above or below ground. Tentative groups that may be associated with YCS expression were detected. At least two species, pasture mealybug and rice whitefly, have abundance peaks associated with the timing of YCS expression. However, further studies are required before any firm conclusion can be drawn as to if these species are causal agents or merely invertebrates attracted to sugarcane expressing YCS symptoms.