Integration of fungicides, crop varieties and sowing dates for the management of sorghum smuts in Nigerian Savanna

Abstract Two field trials in split plot design were carried out in the 2003 and 2004 cropping seasons to assess the effects of varieties, fungicides and sowing dates on the incidence and severity of smuts of sorghum in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. Based on the incidence of smut diseases, covered smut incidence was significantly higher on Guzama white, while long smut incidence was significantly higher on Warawarabashi. The incidence of loose smut was not significantly different among varieties. Seed treatment with Apron plus 50DS and Super homai 70%WP were effective in reducing covered, long and loose smuts infections. Seeds sown on 14 July had significantly higher covered smut than long smut infection. Integration of appropriate sorghum variety, seed dressing fungicide and sowing date have been found to minimise smut and increase seedling establishment, grain yield and 1000 grain weight. Seeds sown on 30 June had significantly higher grain yield and 1000 grain weight than those sown on 14 July.