A New Pathogen, Sphacelia sorghi, Causing Ergot of Sorghum Occurs in Japan

Abstract

A new pathogen of sorghum ergot in Japan was found in Kyushu District in 1991 and in Tochigi Prefecture in 1996. Transparent to pinkish honeydew was produced in sorghum florets. Later, the surface of the honeydew was covered with a white mass of secondary conidia and the whole infected head looked white and powdery. Ergot sclerotia were blackish gray and not very distinct because they were produced between the glumes of infected florets. The pathogen was identified as Sphacelia sorghi McRae based on the morphology of its anamorph.