Disease Control

Like other crops, sorghum is susceptible to a number of economically important diseases. The severity of any given disease is dependent on hybrid susceptibility, the presence of the disease and a favorable environment for the disease to proliferate.

Diseases of economic importance in the U.S. include head smut, downy mildew, stalk rots, maize dwarf mosaic, ergot, anthracnose and other foliar diseases.

Many of the diseases sorghum is susceptible to can mimic symptoms caused by environmental stress, insect damage and herbicide injury. Growers and consultants should familiarize themselves with the common diseases in their regions as well as how to identify and manage them in their field.

Sorghum Disease Resources