Reaction of Sorghum Differentials to Grain Mold Infection in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Grain mold, associated with many fungi, is the most important disease of sorghum, causing both yield and quality losses. In this study, 23 sorghum differentials used in pathotype characterization of anthracnose and head smut pathogens were evaluated for grain mold resistance under favorable conditions in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Lines BTx643 and IS18760 exhibited the lowest grain mold severity, indicating that these two may possess genes for grain mold resistance. These two lines also recorded the highest germination rates 94.7% and 97.6%, respectively, and their seed weight was among the heaviest. In conclusion, these two lines can be utilized in breeding programs to develop grain mold-resistant hybrid lines.