Stalk and top rot of sorghum caused by Erwinia chrysanthemi in India

A stalk and top rot disease of sorghum was observed at Pantnagar, India. The disease was severe on a number of genotypes. Infected plants showed signs of wilting of apical leaves and yellowing of lower leaves. Stalks turned brown, were full of bacterial exudate, and collapsed from rotten internodes. Rotting was fast and plants were killed within 2-3 days after symptom appearance. A bacterium consistently associated with disease symptoms was identified as Erwinia chrysanthemi pv. zeae . This is the first report of this bacterium as a cause of stalk and top rot of sorghum under natural conditions in India