We evaluated the resistance of 102 clones of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.
) relatives to Ustilago scitaminea, causal agent of sugarcane smut, in
two greenhouse experiments. Relatives included Erianthus spp. section
Ripidium, S. barberi/S. sinense, S. officinarum S. robustum, S. spont
aneum, and Saccharum interspecific hybrids (cultivars). Clones of Eria
nthus spp. section Ripidium were the most resistant and clones of S. o
fficinarum and S. robustum were the most susceptible of the six taxono
mic groups included in the first experiment. Clones in the second expe
riment, predominantly S. spontaneum from recent germ plasm collection
expeditions, were assigned to one of three groups depending on their g
eographic origin. Clones from India, Indonesia, and the Philippines ha
d means of 1, 37, and 51% infection, respectively. Exotic, smut-resist
ant clones will be crossed with elite clones to enhance smut resistanc
e in Louisiana sugarcane germ plasm.