Résumé
In the early 1960s, the first comprehensive compendium in sugarcane pathology (2 volumes) was published. Two additional books on sugarcane diseases have been published under the auspices of ISSCT. The first one was published in 1989 and was entitled “Diseases of sugarcane. Major diseases”. The second book released in 2000 was a more practical document named “A guide to sugarcane diseases”. The objective of all these publications was to gather updated information in sugarcane pathology. During the last two decades, new diseases developed and were described in several countries. The most impactful one is the discovery of the first protozoan causing a plant disease (chlorotic streak caused by Phytocercomonas venanatans). In addition, distribution of known diseases expanded, and a lot of progress was made regarding disease diagnosis and detection. Consequently, a new book on sugarcane diseases is needed and therefore, a new edition of the guide to sugarcane diseases will be issued. As in the previous edition, this book will include diseases caused by bacteria (including phytoplasma), fungi and oomycetes, viruses (including viruses with unknown effect), nematodes and diseases of uncertain etiology. A new section will be added regarding chlorotic streak caused by a protozoan. Description of these diseases will include the cause, geographical distribution, symptoms, diagnosis, strains of the pathogen, transmission, host range, epidemiology, economic importance, control, and essential references. Procedures for the safe movement of sugarcane germplasm will also be included. Common names of sugarcane diseases and their causal agent(s) will be updated, as well as a listing of the sugarcane producing countries and their diseases. Numerous experts will contribute to the new edition that is expected to become a useful new resource for sugarcane and plant pathologists, the sugarcane community at large, and any person interest in this subject.