Sphacelotheca reiliana

Sphacelotheca reiliana is a fungal pathogen that causes head smut in maize and sorghum. It is a member of the Microbotryum genus and the Microbotryaceae family. The fungus is known for its destructive impact on crop yields, particularly in regions where maize and sorghum are staple crops.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Sphacelotheca reiliana begins when the fungal spores land on a suitable host plant. The spores germinate and the fungus penetrates the plant tissue, establishing a mycelial network within the host. The fungus then produces sori, which are clusters of spore-producing structures, in the host's flowers. These sori replace the normal floral structures, causing the characteristic smut symptoms. The spores are then released and spread to new hosts by wind or rain.

Symptoms and Impact

The most obvious symptom of Sphacelotheca reiliana infection is the presence of large, black sori in the flowers of the host plant. These sori replace the normal floral structures, leading to a loss of reproductive capacity in the host. This can result in significant yield losses for farmers. In addition to the direct impact on crop yields, the fungus can also cause indirect losses by reducing the quality of the harvested grain.

Management

Management of Sphacelotheca reiliana typically involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties. Chemical control can be achieved through the use of fungicides. However, the effectiveness of these measures can be limited by the fungus's ability to survive in the soil for extended periods.

See Also

• Microbotryum
• Head smut
• Maize
• Sorghum