Maize Dwarf Mosaic (MDM) and Sugarcane Mosaic (SCM) are diseases caused by viruses, the symptoms of which are highly similar on sorghum.

The earlier the infection, the more severe will be the symptoms.

In the most severe cases the plants may die, or growth may be stunted, flowering delayed, and the plants may fail to flower.

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics

Lesson: Maize Dwarf Mosaic and Sugarcane Mosaic

Course on Diseases of Sorghum

Module V: Virus Affecting Sorghum

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics

Lesson: Maize Dwarf Mosaic and Sugarcane Mosaic

Course on Diseases of Sorghum

Module V: Virus Affecting Sorghum

The mosaic symptom is normally most prominent on the upper 2 to 3 leaves as an irregular mottling of dark and light green, often interspersed with longitudinal white or yellow streaks (Fig.).

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics

Lesson: Maize Dwarf Mosaic and Sugarcane Mosaic

Course on Diseases of Sorghum

Module V: Virus Affecting Sorghum

In red-pigmented cultivars a “red-leaf” symptom may occur with elongated red stripes which develop necrotic centers and red margins (Fig.).

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics

Lesson: Maize Dwarf Mosaic and Sugarcane Mosaic

Course on Diseases of Sorghum

Module V: Virus Affecting Sorghum

Management

Johnsongrass (Fig.) is a perennial weed found in and around sorghum growing fields. This weed is an alternate host to these viruses.

Aphids are the vectors for these viruses.

When Johnsongrass is controlled, this disease incidence will be more on sorghum crop due to the movement of aphids to sorghum.

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics

Lesson: Maize Dwarf Mosaic and Sugarcane Mosaic

Course on Diseases of Sorghum

Module V: Virus Affecting Sorghum

Management

Control of alternate hosts (Johnson grass), control of aphid vectors, and use of resistant cultivars are the recommended measure for Maize Dwarf Mosaic.

With this, the Module V – Virus Affecting Sorghum, and this Course on Diseases of Sorghum concludes.

If you would like to review any of the Modules in this Course, please select the Module from Course contents.

Thank you for using this Course on Diseases of Sorghum.

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics

Course on Diseases of Sorghum

Module V: Virus Affecting Sorghum