Sorghum smut
Namibian crop pests  #  34
Tyloposporium ehrenbergii Order: Ustilaginales Family: Ustilaginaceae

       
 
Smut on sorghum head 
  
Smut on mature sorghum head 
  

COMMON NAMES

Sorghum long smut (English); omatondo (Oshiwambo); omalolo (Oshimbalantu); onhibe (Oshikwanyama)  

PEST STATUS

Long smut is a very common fungal disease on sorghum heads. It is considered widespread in north central Namibia, but there are no records of actual distribution and importance.  It is only found on sorghum.  

DESCRIPTION

The infested sorghum heads contain a number of long, cylindrical spore sacs. Only a part of the head is affected. The grains are replaced by 10-40 mm long grey spore sacs, which are clearly visible on the sorghum heads. If the spore sacs burst open, a mass of dark brown spores is released.  

CONTROL

There is a difference in susceptibility to smut among sorghum varieties. If farmers notice that their own variety is more infested by long smut, they may try another variety for comparison.  
Chemical control is not recommended.  
  

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