Sorghum Diseases in India

example, in plant growth stage at which SDM
resistance is expressed (Pawar et al. 1985).
There are other measures available for control
of SDM; seed treatment with metalaxyl is
effective in protecting seedlings from infection,
and in preventing seedborne distribution of the
pathogen. Processed seed should be treated
with metalaxyl because seed treatment is easily
done in seed processing plants. It would be
more expensive to treat seed at the farm level,
because the cost of the chemical and the cost of
application would probably be much higher on
a small-unit basis.
Reducing disease severities can also be
achieved through means other than resistance.
Just as it was possible to create high levels of
disease incidence with spreader rows between
experimental plots in some of the studies presented
here, it should be possible to reduce disease
levels through cultural means. More studies
are needed in this regard. Studies should include
cropping arrangements differing in time
as well as in space. This study has already
shown that various diseases are in fact reducing
sorghum yields. The next step in research is to
find ways of reducing the losses.
References
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Alexander, J.D., Toler, R.W., and Miller F.R.
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Department of Sociology and Anthropology
and Department of Home Economics