Characterization of Fusarium Verticillioide Isolates from Pokkah Boeng on Sugarcane and The Disease Incidence In Field

Abstract

Pokkah boeng of sugarcane caused by Fusarium verticillioides is is a destructive fungal disease in sugarcane growing regions. In China, the notable losses from pokkah boeng have occurred annually. The main objectives of this study were to: a. Field disease survey of natural disease incidence of Pokkah boeng in 13 cultivars and 52 cross combinations of sugarcane in sugarcane seedling nurseries located in Fuzhou, China, the disease incidence ranged from 0% -14%; b. Morphology characterization of F. verticillioides was observed and identified by macroconidia, microconidia, conidiophores and culture pigment characteristics; c. Representing F. verticillioides causing pokkah boeng in sugarcane was phylogenetic analyzed using translation elongation factor-α (TEF-α), ATP-6 ATPase gene, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene regions. Most of the isolates of the present study showed a similar grouping pattern in case of the three gene sequences, however, ITS and TEF-α more conservative than ATP-6ATPase gene in 15 isolates of F. verticillioides.