Diseases

Sorghum Smut

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

A group of fungal diseases of sorghum caused by pathogens of the genus Sporisorium. They manifest as the replacement of inflorescence or grain tissues with a spore mass, leading to yield loss and reduced seed quality.

In the reference 6 varieties crop Sorghum, where this is mentioned in the description.

Three main types of the disease are distinguished in the crop. Loose kernel smut, caused by Sporisorium reilianum, is characterized by the formation of large sori that rupture upon maturation and can lead to inflorescence proliferation. Covered or hard smut (Sporisorium sorghi) primarily affects the grains, replacing them with a spore mass that remains hidden under a dense membrane until threshing.

Head smut (Sporisorium cruentum) is distinguished by the fact that infected plants show signs of stunting and early bolting. Its sori are elongated and rupture quickly after panicle emergence, exposing the columella. The pathogens possess specialized forms, for example, S. reilianum f. sp. reilianum, which targets sorghum, and a complex structure of physiological races.

General information about the subject — on the page Smut.

Sources8

Varieties of Sorghum mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.