Aggressiveness of loose kernel smut isolate from Johnson grass on sorghum line BTx643

Authors: Prom, Louis; MAGILL, CLINT - Texas A&M University; Droleskey, Robert - Bob

Submitted to: Journal of Agriculture and Crops
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/17/2017
Publication Date: 11/21/2017
Citation: Prom, L.K., Magill, C., Droleskey, R.E. 2017. Aggressiveness of loose kernel smut isolate from Johnson grass on sorghum line BTx643. Journal of Agriculture and Crops. 3(11):94-96.

Interpretive Summary: Johnson grass, a perennial grassy weed, is widespread in many production fields and can significantly reduce yields in sorghum. In addition, the fungus that incites loose kernel smut on Johnson grass also infects sorghum. This study showed that an isolate of the loose smut fungus obtained from Johnson grass was very aggressive to sorghum plants. The results showed that controlling Johnson grass, especially if infected with loose smut around production fields, could significantly increase sorghum yields.

Technical Abstract: An isolate of loose kernel smut obtained from Johnson grass was inoculated unto six BTx643 sorghum plants in the greenhouse to determine its aggressiveness. All the BTx643 sorghum plants inoculated with the Johnson grass isolate were infected. Mean size of the teliospores from the Johnson grass, infected BTx643, and naturally infected sorghum was similar, measuring 0.79, 0.75, and 0.82 µm, respectively. This short communication shows that loose smut on Johnson grass if not controlled around production areas could pose a serious threat to sorghum production.