Sorghum Diseases in India

in the vascular tissue, less percentage of damage
of the pith tissue, and higher percentage of epidermal
(peripheral) tissues than the susceptible
line R 28 B (Hernandez et al. 1987a).
The culture medium PDA was identified as
excellent for growing the pathogen and the
medium "Belay" likewise for sporulation (Delgadillo
1983). In inoculation studies using hypodermic
syringe and toothpick, no significant
differences on effectiveness of either were found
(Hernandez et al. 1987b). At Chapingo, using the
toothpick technique, trials produced 17% incidence
which reduced yield by 7.3% (Vargus et
al. 1985).
In general, Combine Kafir 60 has shown high
levels of tolerance to this pathogen. It was also
found that the incidence of rust and Fusarium
infections are positively correlated.
In sowing-date comparisons at the Bajio,
early sowing (such as 15 April) had a 60% incidence
(Narro 1984). Some tolerant inbreds identified
in 1982 are listed in Table 2 (Narro and
Betancourt 1983).
In crosses using Tx 430 as pollinator, it was
found that inheritance for resistance is recessive;
for that reason resistance needs to be present in
both parents.
In the INIFAP program at the Bajio, several F4
generations from crosses between local and
Texas materials have shown excellent levels of
resistance.
Charcoal rot. (Macrophomina phaseolina.) It is
very common around Apatzingan, Michoacan,
and Ocotlan, Jalisco, and in other areas where
severe drought occurs late in the season. In susceptible
hybrids, important damage can occur
from lodging. In experimental plots, we have
observed that inheritance for resistance is recessive.
This disease has the potential to cause yield
losses in some semi-arid areas of Mexico.
Pokkah boeng (twisted top). (Fusarium moniliforme
var subglutinans.) It is occasionally present
in central Mexico, but is not known to be of
economic importance,
Acremonium wilt. (Acremonium strictum W.
Gams Syn. Cephalosporium acremonium.) It occurs
occasionally in areas such as Jalisco and coastal
tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, including
Guanajuato.
Table 2. Stalk rot and head blight ratings of 24
selected inbred sorghum lines showing tolerance
to Fusarium moniliforme in sowing date
studies at E1 Bajio Celaya, Guanajuat, and
Mexico, 1982.
Inbred Stalk rot Head blight
sorghum Line rating 1
rating
Tx430 4.0 2.5
SC 599-11 E 2.5 2.5
SC 326-6 4.0 3.0
TAM 428 4.0 3.0
77 SC2 4.0 4.0
77 CS 490 3.0 3.0
Tx 2536 3.5 3.5
BTx 378 4.0 4.0
BTx623 4.0 3.5
GPR 148 4.0 2.0
E 35-1 3.5 4.0
SPV 35 3.0 3.5
UCH V1 3.0 3.5
UCH 2 3.5 3.5
IS 173 2.0 2.0
QL 3 India 3.0 3.0
CS 3541 3.5 4.0
B 198B 2.5 1.0
B 194 B 2.5 2.0
B 214 B 2.0 2.0
B 206 B 2.0 2.0
E 15 B 2.0 2.5
R5B 3.0 3.0
R 27 B 3.0 3.0
1. Scored on a 1-5 scale, where 1 = resistant (R), 2 =
moderately resistant (MR), 3 = moderately susceptible
(MS), and 4-5 = susceptible (S).
A strictum was first observed at Ocotlan in
Jalisco by Betancourt and Frederiksen in 1981.
Most hybrids are resistant, but the inbreds BTx
623 and BTx 625 are extremely susceptible to this
pathogen.
Panicle and Seed Diseases
Anthracnose. Panicle and grain anthracnose
(Colletotrichum graminicola) occur in the cloudy
warm and humid sorghum-growing areas of
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