Minimization of floret infection by fungi causing grain mold in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) through use of fungicides

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted with four popular grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cultivars that included two each of varieties and hybrids to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides for minimization of floret infection by grain mold fungi during two successive rainy seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Hyderabad. The spraying of fungicides (Propiconazole or Mancozeb) at 80% anthesis significantly reduced seed-borne infection at milk stage and grain mold severity at maturity. Propiconazole was found to be the most effective fungicide that reduced fungal infection frequency and grain mold severity in sorghum. It reduced 65% of Fusarium, 89% of Curvularia and 67% of total fungal infection at milk stage compared to the control. The study will provide valuable information for resistance breeding programme against specific grain mold pathogen.