Anthracnose Stalk Rot

Anthracnose disease infestation occurs on foliage, sorghum stalks and also on earheads.The stalk rot occurs after leaves are infested. Foliar phase of Anthracnose is more common in humid areas , and later, plants develop stalk and earhead symptoms. Stalk rot can be economically important even late in the growing season.

Anthracnose stalk rot can be recognized by circular cankers, particularly in the inflorescence (early stage of earhead). Infected stems when split open show discoloration (depending on cultivar) which may be continuous over a large area, or more marbled appearance (Fig.)

Management

Clean cultivation, elimination of weed hosts, removal of crop residues will help in controlling this disease. A 2-year crop rotation with crops other than sorghum. Growing resistant cultivars like SPV 462, CSV 17 etc.