Reactions of Sorghum Genotypes to Leaf, Panicle, and Grain Anthracnose (Colletotrichum graminicola) under Field Conditions in Mali

Effective field screening techniques were used to identify resistance to anthracnose [caused by Colletotrichum graminicola (=C. sublineola)] in grain sorghum at two locations (Samanko and Longorola) in Mali. The occurrence and development of anthracnose was monitored on the leaves, panicles and grains of 19 sorghum genotypes in the 1997 and 1998 rainy seasons. Foliar anthracnose severity was assessed using a 1-9 scale on individual tagged plants at regular intervals throughout the season. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated for each genotype. Anthracnose severity was also evaluated on the peduncle; rachis and glumes; panicle; and grain. None of the genotypes was completely (hypersensitive) resistant to the disease, but 9 showed stable resistance to both foliar and panicle anthracnose. Nine genotypes were resistant to foliar anthracnose but moderately susceptible to panicle anthracnose. One genotype was moderately susceptible to both forms of the disease