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Peronosclerospora sorghi (sorghum downy mildew )
Peronosclerospora sorghi
sorghum downy mildew
Sclerospora andropogonis-sorghi, Sclerospora graminicola var. andropogonis-sorghi, Sclerospora sorghi, Sorosporium andropogonis-sorghi
Worldwide
AL. AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NM, OK, TN, TX
2025-08-13
fungus
Mexico, Korea
Main: sorghum, corn
PRSCSO
Peronosclerospora sorghi spreads when oospores in soil or plant debris germinate in cool, humid weather, releasing zoospores that enter through the roots and move throughout the plant. Infected leaves produce sporangia that release more zoospores, allowing the disease to spread to nearby plants and cause stunting, yellowing, and poor or sterile grain heads.
2 Known Hosts
Sorghum bicolor
sorghum
Yes
PRSCSO-2, PRSCSO-4, PRSCSO-5, PRSCSO-10
Mycelium may invade seed parts. Transmission is low and occurs when immature seeds are planted immediately after harvest. Oospores may be associated with seed or seed debris.
Yes
Visual examination, Wash test, Grow out, PCR
These methods have been validated or standardized. NSHS standard method for this pathogen in corn is the Grow out.
CABI CPC
Chemical, cultural
This pathogen appears to be a bigger problem in farmer-saved seed. Using certified/healthy seed is recommended. Metalaxyl treatment is effective. Use resistant varieties. Proper drying and storing is useful to prevent transmission.
PRSCSO-3, PRSCSO-4, PRSCSO-6, CABI CPC
2025-08-13 10:49:05
PRSCSO-2
Kenneth, RG. 1981. Downy Mildews of Graminaceous Crops. In, The Downy Mildews, ed. Spencer, DM. Academic Press, New York
PRSCSO-4
Bonde, MR. 1982. Epidemiology of Downy Mildews of Maize, Sorghum and Pearl Millet. Tropical Pest Management 28:49-60
PRSCSO-5
Adenle VO, Cardwell KF, 2000. Seed transmission of maize downy mildew (Peronosclerospora sorghi) in Nigeria. Plant Pathology, 49:628-634
PRSCSO-10
Khaskheli, M. A., Nizamani, M. M., Tarafder, E., Das, D., Nosheen, S., Muhae-Ud-Din, G., ... & Yang, S. W. (2025). Sustainable Management of Major Fungal Phytopathogens in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) for Food Security: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Fungi, 11(3), 207.
CABI CPC
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
PRSCSO-3
Odvody GN, Frederiksen RA, 1984. Use of systemic fungicides metalaxyl and fosetyl-Al for control of sorghum downy mildew in corn and sorghum in South Texas. I: seed treatment. Plant Disease, 68:604-607
PRSCSO-6
Jones BL, Leeper JC, Frederiksen RA, 1972. Sclerospora sorghi in corn: its location in carpellate flowers and mature seeds. Phytopathology, 62:817-819.
Zea mays
corn
Yes
PRSCSO-4, PRSCSO-5, PRSCSO-6, CABI CPC, McGEE, PRSCSO-7
Seed transmission mainly occurs on immature seed or freshly harvested seed that has not been dried., Oospores are not produced abundantly in corn.
Yes
METHOD: Mz 6.1 Grow-out (Adenle and Cardwell, 2000) (formerly Cf 6.1)
This is a standard method of the NSHS.
Grow out is a standard method of the NSHS.
NSHS USDA
chemical, culturalcal
This pathogen appears to be a bigger problem in farmer-saved seed. Using certified/healthy seed is recommended. Metalaxyl treatment is effective. Use resistant varieties. Proper drying and storing is useful to prevent transmission.
PRSCSO-3, PRSCSO-6, CABI CPC
2025-08-13 10:27:34
PRSCSO-4
Bonde, MR. 1982. Epidemiology of Downy Mildews of Maize, Sorghum and Pearl Millet. Tropical Pest Management 28:49-60
PRSCSO-5
Adenle VO, Cardwell KF, 2000. Seed transmission of maize downy mildew (Peronosclerospora sorghi) in Nigeria. Plant Pathology, 49:628-634
PRSCSO-6
Jones BL, Leeper JC, Frederiksen RA, 1972. Sclerospora sorghi in corn: its location in carpellate flowers and mature seeds. Phytopathology, 62:817-819.
CABI CPC
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
McGEE
McGee, DC. 1988, Maize Diseases; A reference source for Seed Technoligists. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN USA
PRSCSO-7
Muis, A., Ryley, M. J., Tan, Y. P., Suharjo, R., Nonci, N., Danaatmadja, Y., ... & Thines, M. (2023). P eronosclerospora neglecta sp. nov.—a widespread and overlooked threat to corn (maize) production in the tropics. Mycological Progress, 22(2), 12.
NSHS USDA
United Stated Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Protection Service National Seed Health System (USDA-APHIS NSHS) www.seedhealth.org
PRSCSO-3
Odvody GN, Frederiksen RA, 1984. Use of systemic fungicides metalaxyl and fosetyl-Al for control of sorghum downy mildew in corn and sorghum in South Texas. I: seed treatment. Plant Disease, 68:604-607
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