OUTBREAK OF ERGOT DISEASE OF BAJRA IN GULBARGA AND BIDAR DISTRICTS (KARNATAKA)
A. H. RAJASAB *
P. G. Department of Botany, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga-585 106, Karnataka
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Outbreak of ergot disease of bajra in epiphytotic proportions at Gulbarga and Bidar districts of Karnataka is reported. Intermittent rainfall during pollination stages of the crop is identified as the important factor responsible for the outbreak of disease. The role of rains in washing down the air borne bajra pollen and simultaneous effective dispersal of conidia of Claviceps fusiformis during rain are discussed.
Keywords: Ergot of bajra, epiphytotics, splash dispersal