Sorghum Grain Mold Information Bulletin No. 72

Abstract

Grain mold, the most important and widespread disease of sorghum worldwide, is a major
\nconstraint to sorghum productivity. Grain mold development is particularly severe in the shortduration
\nhybrid cultivars and varieties that are grown during the rainy season under warm and
\nhumid conditions. It is caused by a number of unspecialized fungal pathogens that severely
\naffect grain mass, seed viability, grain quality and market price. A large volume of literature is
\navailable on studies related to various aspects of grain mold, including biology, epidemiology,
\nassociation with mycotoxins and management methods. In this bulletin, attempts have been
\nmade to briefly describe the important findings of research done at ICRISAT and elsewhere,
\nand to emphasize some of the recent developments on management of grain mold, including
\nrefined screening techniques, sources of resistance, genetics and mechanisms of resistance,
\nresistance breeding and other management options, including an integrated management
\napproach.