Survey on the prevalence of Pokkah boeng disease of maize caused by Fusarium species in Karnataka

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), a major cereal crop and a key component of global food and feed systems, faces increasingproductivity threats from fungal diseases. Among these, Pokkah boeng, caused by the Fusarium species complex, hasgained prominence in warm and humid maize-growing regions. To assess the prevalence and distribution of Pokkah boengin northern Karnataka, a systematic roving survey was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons across fivemajor maize-growing districts, Belagavi, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag and Haveri. Disease incidence varied significantlyacross locations, ranging from 11.99 to 37.67 per cent, with Belagavi showing the highest mean incidence (25.22%) and Davangere the lowest (17.68%). Higher incidence was associated with black soils, irrigated conditions and intercroppingwith sorghum or sugarcane. The disease was most severe during the kharif season, coinciding with warm and humidconditions favourable for Fusarium infection. The study establishes baseline data on Pokkah boeng occurrence in Karnatakaand underscores the influence of climatic, edaphic and cropping factors on its prevalence, providing critical inputs fordisease management.