Tolerance to Pokkah Boeng in Select High-Yielding Philippine Sugarcane Varieties
Published On: March 18, 2026
Jay-Vee S. Mendoza1, Rachele L. De Torres2, Alyssa M. De Castro3, Jayson L. Gandia1, Evelyn F. Delfin1, Mark Angelo O. Balendres4, Fe M. Dela Cueva1
1Institute of Plant Breeding College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines.2Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines.3National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines.4Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
Abstract
Pokkah Boeng (PKB), caused by various Fusarium species, is a major constraint to sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) production, with reported yield losses of up to 40–60% in susceptible varieties worldwide. To assess its impact under local conditions, a sick plot was established at the Institute of Plant Breeding Experiment Station in Tranca, Bay, Laguna, where field trials were conducted in a randomized complete block design involving ten high-yielding sugarcane varieties. Mean disease ratings across varieties were relatively mild (1.25 ± 0.25), characterized mainly by leaf chlorosis and distortion, with no significant variation among trials (p = 0.1483) or varieties (p = 0.2409) based on the Kruskal–Wallis test. Despite the mild symptom expression, PKB infection significantly reduced biomass, measured as cane height and millable weight, in six out of ten varieties. Notably, PHIL00-1419 showed a significant reduction in Brix values without substantial decreases in biomass, while PHIL2000-0791, PHIL2006-1899, and PHIL2006-2289 exhibited no significant reductions in sugar yield, suggesting potential tolerance. These varieties may be suitable for cultivation in areas with high PKB incidence and represent promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing PKB-resilient cultivars. The findings also provide insights into varietal responses and highlight opportunities for further exploration of the mechanisms underlying tolerance to PKB.
Keyword
Saccharum officinarumPokkah boengFusariumBrixYield Loss
Volume 56, Issue 1 & 2
Pages 1-11