The document summarizes ergot of bajra, a disease caused by the fungus Claviceps fusiformis. The disease is characterized by the exudation of pinkish or brown sticky fluid from infected plants that attracts insects. The fungus survives as sclerotia in the soil for 6-8 months and infects plants primarily through germinating sclerotia, with secondary spread via insects or airborne. Management strategies include adjusting sowing dates, seed treatment, growing resistant varieties, and fungicide application.

1. E.Pavithra
111718012015
DAG-A

2. Ergot of bajra :
Claviceps fusiformis

3. SYMPTOMS:
 The symptom is seen by exudation of small
droplets of light pinkish or brownish sticky fluid
(honey dew)
 This attracts several insects.

4. Sugary diseases

5. Disease cycle :
 Sclerotia are viable in soil for 6 to 8 months
 The primary infection takes place by
Germinating sclerotia present in the soil
 Secondary spread is by insects or air borne
 The fungus also infects other species of
Pennisetum.

7. Management:
• Adjust the sowing date
• Immerse the seeds in 10% common salt solution
• Grow resistance varieties
• Spray with carbendazim@o.1% at boot leaf stage and flowering