Information sheet : Pokkah boeng

Abstract

This fungus disease is found in all sugarcane growing regions, and generally occurs from late spring to the end of summer. It normally appears during periods of hot humid conditions when the cane is growing rapidly. It generally is only a minor disease of sugarcane in Australia, but can cause major damage in some areas overseas.

Pokkah boeng appears more often in some varieties than others. It is caused by a wind-borne fungus which settles in the growing spindle of the cane plant.