Fusarium sugarcane pathosystem: Etiology, diversity, host-pathogen interactions, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of Pokkah Boeng disease of sugarcane

Pokkah Boeng is an emerging and economically significant disease of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), causing yield losses of 10-15% in India and posing an increasing threat to sustainable cane production worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the Fusarium Sugarcane Pathosystem, encompassing disease etiology, pathogen diversity, host-pathogen interactions, epidemiology, diagnostics and integrated management strategies. Particular emphasis is laid on the taxonomic complexity, phylogenetic relationships and pathogenic variability of the Fusarium species complex associated with Pokkah Boeng disease of sugarcane. The review further explores the influence of climatic drivers, crop production practices, inoculum dynamics and pathogen dissemination mechanisms in shaping disease outbreaks, with particular relevance to Indian agro-ecosystems. Recent advances in understanding molecular interactions between Fusarium and sugarcane are discussed including fungal effectors, virulence-associated factors, host defence responses and emerging biotechnological approaches. Current disease management practices, including resistant cultivar deployment, cultural measures, biological control, fungicide application and RNA based technologies are critically evaluated. Finally, key knowledge gaps and future research priorities are highlighted, emphasising the integration of precision diagnostics, genomics-assisted resistance breeding, climate based disease forecasting and sustainable agro-ecological approaches for durable management of Pokkah Boeng disease of sugarcane. Key words: Epidemiology, Fusarium spp., Host Pathogen interaction, Pokkah Boeng, Sugarcane