Promotion of sustainable control of covered kernel smut of sorghum through broadening the cropping base. Final Technical Report.
Abstract
Covered kernel smut (Sporiosorium sorghi) is a major constraint to yield of small-holder sorghum in semi-arid areas. The fungus is seed-borne and develops systemically as the sorghum crop grows. The teliospores of the fungus replace the grain in the panicle causing direct crop losses in proportion to the area of the panicle infected. Previously disease-free grain can be contaminated during harvest. Thus, covered kernel smut can increase rapidly causing high levels of yield loss and staple food deficits. Suitable seed sanitation practices have been evaluated both on-station and on-farm in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Farmer selection of disease-free seed or use of a fungicide seed treatment will effectively control covered kernel smut.
Citation
Natural Resources Institute, UK., 67 pp.
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