| The relationship between pre-flowering climatic conditions and sugary disease incidence was quantified in grain and forage sorghum genotypes at two sowing periods (mid November and mid December). The trials were carried out over the 2001/02 and 2002/03 growing seasons, in Lages, Santa Catarina State. Four commercial male-fertile sorghum hybrids (BR 600-forrage, BR 700-grain, BR 701-forage/silage and BR 800-forage) and one male-sterile inbred line (BR 001-A) were evaluated. When each genotype reached the flowering stage, 50 panicles were marked and sprayed with a suspension of Claviceps africana (1,000 spores mL-1). Air temperature, humidity and rainfall were recorded through out the growing cycle. Low temperatures three to four weeks prior to flowering,... |
