Management of grain smut in seed production of rabi sorghum [Sorghum Bicolor (L.)moench.] – A Review

The grain smut [Sporisorium sorghi (Link.)Willd] pathogen on sorghum is externally seed borne. The smut sori break during threshing releasing the spores; that adhere to the surface of healthy seeds and remain dormant till next season. The infection takes place before the seedlings emerge out. The conditions suited for delayed germination of seeds favour the smut infection. An attempt has been made to find out the suitable fungicides for the management of grain smut of sorghum. Among the several fungitoxicants reviewed belonging to different groups; the seeds treated with carboxin+thiram (Vitavax power) followed by sulphur @ 3.0 g kg−1 just before sowing recorded significantly higher seed yield and lesser smut incidence and better seed quality parameters.