(Tolyposporium penicillariae)
Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) Kranz J., Schmutterer H., Koch W. Courtesy of EcoPort, www.ecoport.org
Immature, green fungal bodies (sori) larger than the seed develop on panicles during grain fill. A single fungal body (sorus) develops per floret. As grain matures, sori change in colour from green to dark brown. Sori are filled with dark spores.
Infection takes place at temperature range of between 21 and 31degC, and at relative humidity greater than 80%. The disease is spread by wind-borne spores and rain.
What to do:
- Plant resistant varieties, if available.
- Rotate with non-cereals.
- Plough deep.
- Practise good field sanitation.