# How to Stop Sugarcane Pokkah Boeng Disease: Dr. Hadi Hussain Khan Explains Key Steps

> Pokkah Boeng fungal infection spreads rapidly in sugarcane during monsoon. Farmers can safeguard crops through mechanical pruning, proper pit disposal, and targeted chemical sprays.

**Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-08-03 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/ganne-men-pokkah-boeng-phaphunda-ka-hamala-rokenge-ye-tarike-dr-hadi-hussain-khan-se-janen-bachava-ke-upaya-13226 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Sugarcane Farming, Pokkah Boeng, Crop Protection, Dr Hadi Hussain Khan, Farming Tips, Fungal Diseases

Sugarcane growers face significant crop damage during the rainy season due to the rapid outbreak of Pokkah Boeng, a destructive fungal infection. While chemical pesticides are widely available, proper surveillance, field sanitation, and mechanical control methods can effectively check the spread of this disease in its early stages without incurring heavy expenses. Timely identification and hygienic disposal of infected plant parts remain essential to preserving overall yield.

## Identifying the Symptoms of Pokkah Boeng Disease
Pokkah Boeng is a fungal infection that primarily targets the young upper foliage of sugarcane plants. The infection thrives during the monsoon period, when ambient moisture levels and thermal humidity remain consistently high. Crop protection scientist Dr. Hadi Hussain Khan points out that farmers can spot the initial infestation by observing physical deformations on top leaves, which twist, curl, and form ring-like patterns. As the fungal attack intensifies, infected stems and foliage emit an unmistakable sour smell similar to vinegar.

## Step-by-Step Mechanical Management and Pit Disposal
Removing infected plant material manually is one of the safest and most cost-effective strategies to curb the disease. When initial symptoms appear on a plant, farmers should carefully slice off the affected upper region slightly below the infected zone. It is vital never to leave these severed infected leaves or stems lying openly on the soil, as fungal spores can swiftly spread to healthy plants through wind currents or splashing rainwater.

To ensure proper hygiene, pruned plant debris should be gathered immediately into a large polythene bag. Farmers must carry these bagged remains away from the main field and bury them inside a pit dug two to three feet deep, covering the hole tightly with soil. This isolation method seals off fungal spores and prevents fresh spore distribution across the surrounding crop.

## Chemical Interventions for Severe Outbreaks
When the infection spreads across larger areas of the field, mechanical removal can be supplemented with specific chemical treatments. Dr. Hadi Hussain Khan highlights that applying a Copper Oxychloride spray provides effective control against the pathogen. Farmers can also utilize Carbendazim sprays across infected sections or apply them inside disposal pits. These fungicides destroy active fungal mycelium and spores, bringing the infestation under control and safeguarding the remaining healthy sugarcane crop.

## What this means for you
- **For Farmers Across India:** Timely detection and mechanical management of Pokkah Boeng keep sugarcane crops safe from severe fungal damage without heavy pesticide costs.
- **On Crop Yields:** Pruning and properly burying infected leaves early prevents fungal spores from spreading, protecting overall farm productivity.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What are the early symptoms of Pokkah Boeng disease in sugarcane?
Early symptoms include curling or twisting of top leaves into ring-like shapes and a distinct vinegar-like odor from infected plant parts.

### 2. Why does Pokkah Boeng disease spread rapidly during the monsoon?
High humidity and moisture levels during the monsoon season create ideal environmental conditions for fungal spores to multiply.

### 3. How should farmers dispose of sugarcane parts affected by Pokkah Boeng?
Affected parts cut from the plant should be collected in a polythene bag, carried away from the field, and buried in a 2 to 3 feet deep pit filled with soil.

### 4. Which chemicals can be used to treat a heavy Pokkah Boeng infestation?
Copper Oxychloride or Carbendazim sprays can be applied to effectively eliminate fungal spores and mycelium.

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