The disease caused by sorghum is known as sorghum anthracnose. It is caused by a fungus that affects both the leaves and stalks of the sorghum plant.
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Symptoms of sorghum anthracnose include small red colored spots that can be seen on both surfaces of the leaves. The center of the spot is usually white in color and is surrounded by a margin that can be red, purple, or brown.
The fungus can cause both leaf spot, also known as anthracnose, and stalk rot, also called red rot. Leaf spot occurs when the fungus infects the leaves, causing the appearance of the red spots. Stalk rot, on the other hand, affects the stalks of the sorghum plant, causing them to become weak and rotted.
Sorghum anthracnose can have a significant impact on the growth and yield of sorghum crops. The disease can reduce leaf function, leading to decreased photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. It can also weaken the stalks, making them more susceptible to lodging, or falling over, which can further reduce yield. In severe cases, the plants can even die.
To manage sorghum anthracnose, several strategies can be employed. These include planting resistant varieties of sorghum, practicing crop rotation with non-host crops, and using cultural practices such as plowing under crop debris to reduce the amount of inoculum present in the field. Fungicides can also be applied to protect the plants from infection, although their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific pathogen and environmental conditions.
In conclusion, sorghum anthracnose is a disease caused by a fungal pathogen that affects both the leaves and stalks of the sorghum plant. It can have a detrimental impact on the growth and yield of sorghum crops, but management strategies such as using resistant varieties and cultural practices can help mitigate its effects.