Weak neck of sorghum

Hansing, E.D.; Melchers, L.E.; Bates, J.C.

Weak neck of sorghum

1950

Hansing, E.D. | Melchers, L.E. | Bates, J.C.

A study was made on the symptomatology and etiology of weak neck of sorghum. This is a physiologic or nonparasitic disease characterized by gradual disintegration of the tissues of the peduncles, which often break at or near their bases, and by poorly developed grain with absence of normal luster. Weak neck was induced by subjecting Colby plants to one or more drouth-stress periods, by artificial defoliation, and by partial shading of the leaves during the growing season. Sterilization of the soil and the addition to the soil of superphosphate had no effect on the control of the disease. The resistant varieties Pink kafir and White Yolo maintained a higher concentration of carbohydrates in the peduncles throughout the growing season than did the susceptible varieties Colby and Day. It is suggested that weak neck of milos may be controlled best by breeding combine varieties with inherent characteristics of peduncles similar to the kafirs.

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