Given the dynamic nature of plant diseases affecting sorghum, it is important to regularly evaluate the occurrence of diseases in sorghum production systems.
A lecturer in plant sciences at the University of the Free State, Dr Lisa Rothmann, joins this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track to talk about the different diseases affecting sorghum farmers, advancements in disease-resistant varieties, the impact of climate change on sorghum cultivation, the role of genetics, and much more.
Rothmann says there is an increased interest in sorghum, which is why it remains important to know about the variety of diseases that impact sorghum.
Abiotic vs biotic diseases
“It is important to understand the difference between abiotic diseases caused by drought, and incorrect application of herbicides versus biotic diseases caused by living microorganisms,” she explains.
She further mentions that fungal plant pathogens cause various diseases in sorghum. One of the most fungal pathogens is leaf blight, which is the same as leaf blight on maize.
“We started seeing a rise in diseases under different growing conditions. The leaf diseases are the ones that can be seen clearly. They also have the most variety affecting photosynthesis,” she explains.
In this episode, she also discusses:
- Key symptoms farmers should look out for;
- Biosecurity measures that should be implemented; and
- How technology can be used as an advantage.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
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Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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