Sorghum pathology and biotechnology - A fungal disease perspective: Part I. Grain mold, head smut, and ergot

Authors: LITTLE, CHRISTOPHER - Kansas State University; RAMASAMY, PERUMAL - Kansas State University; TESFAYE, TESSO - Kansas State University; Prom, Louis; ODVODY, GARY - Texas A&M University; MAGILL, CLINT - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: European Journal of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/10/2011
Publication Date: 8/30/2012
Citation: Little, C.R., Ramasamy, P., Tesfaye, T., Prom, L.K., Odvody, G.N., Magill, C. 2012. Sorghum pathology and biotechnology - A fungal disease perspective: Part I. Grain mold, head smut, and ergot. European Journal of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology. 6(Special Issue 1): 10-30.

Interpretive Summary: Grain mold, head smut, and ergot are common diseases of sorghum worldwide. This review paper covers the effect of these diseases on seed production and quality. Also, the fungi responsible for causing these diseases, their distribution, races, infection processes, and screening methods for identifying resistant sources in sorghum lines and cultivars are described. Genes responsible for host resistance and molecular tags for these genes are also covered in this review.

Technical Abstract: Three common sorghum diseases, grain mold, head smut and ergot, each of which is directly related to seed production and quality are covered in this review. Each is described with respect to the causal organism or organisms, infection process, global distribution, pathogen variability and effects on grain production. In addition, screening methods for identifying resistant cultivars and the genetic basis for host resistance including molecular tags for resistance genes are described where possible.