Resistance of Sorghum Genotypes to Ergot (Claviceps Species)

Ergot is an important disease affecting sorghum when susceptible cultivars are grown and environmental conditions are favorable. Resistance breeding to ergot is, therefore, of paramount importance to provide effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly management options. This study was conducted to assess the response of a global collection of sorghum genotypes to ergot. A total of 358 sorghum accessions were evaluated under field conditions. Data collection was conducted based on ergot incidence, severity, and agronomic traits, and the results revealed highly significant differences among genotypes (p < 0.01) for all traits evaluated. A mean disease incidence range of 23.8% to 69.4% was observed across test environments. Of the screened genotypes, 23, 52, and 2 genotypes showed resistant reactions during 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Disease incidence and severity showed a moderate correlation with days to 50% flowering and pollen quantity, indicating their importance in ergot infection. Resistant genotypes E313, E111, E225, E200, E351, E352, E353, and E354 were identified from this study. These genotypes could be exploited as a resistance source in breeding for resistance to ergot.