Page 49 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

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Figure 3.2 (e): Sorghum armyworm and damaged plant

Common sorghum diseases and their management
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes red or brown spots on sorghum
leaves, which later turn black, weakening the plant and reducing yields. The
disease spreads quickly in wet conditions. Anthracnose can be identified by
spotting red or brown lesions on leaves and stems. It can be managed by planting
resistant sorghum varieties, removing and burning infected leaves or plants, and
ensuring proper plant spacing for better air circulation. Figure 3.3 (a) and (b)
show healthy and anthracnose-infected sorghum leaves, respectively.

(a) (b)
Figure 3.3: (a) A healthy and (b) anthracnose-infected sorghum leaves

Smut: This is a fungal disease that attack sorghum. It makes the grains turn into
black, powdery masses, thus reducing grain quality. It spreads through infected
seeds and by wind. Smut can be identified by the presence of black powder
instead of normal grains. It can be managed by using certified, disease-free seeds,
removing and burning infected plants before they release spores and practising
crop rotation with non-cereal crops. Figure 3.3 (c) shows symptoms of smut in
sorghum.

40 Student’s Book Form Three

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