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Effects of conidial concentration and stigma wetness period on infection by the sorghum ergot pathogen Claviceps africana

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Abstract

The effect of conidial concentration and length of stigma wetness period on infection of sorghum spikelets by Claviceps africana was studied in a controlled environment experiment. Aspore concentration of at least 106 conidia/mL was required for maximum infection on sorghum panicles. Maximum infection occurred during a stigma wetness period between 4.5 and 6 h. Approximately 11–15% infection occurred when stigmas had been dried immediately after inoculation. This study demonstrated that the stigma wetness is an important parameter in sorghum ergot epidemiology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. BSES Limited, Private Bag 4, 4670, Bundaberg DC, Qld, Australia

    S. A. Bhuiyan

  2. School of Agronomy and Horticulture, The University of Queensland, 4345, Gatton, Qld, Australia

    V. J. Galea & A. T. Lisle

  3. Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 102, 4350, Toowoomba, Qld, Australia

    M. J. Ryley

  4. Ornamental Plant Germplasm Centre, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA

    D. Tay

Authors
  1. S. A. Bhuiyan
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  2. M. J. Ryley
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  3. V. J. Galea
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  4. D. Tay
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  5. A. T. Lisle
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Correspondence to S. A. Bhuiyan.

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Bhuiyan, S.A., Ryley, M.J., Galea, V.J. et al. Effects of conidial concentration and stigma wetness period on infection by the sorghum ergot pathogen Claviceps africana . Australasian Plant Pathology 38, 496–499 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1071/AP09032

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/AP09032

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