Sooty stripe, caused by the fungus Ramulispora sorghi, occurs on sorghum at all growth stages.
Infection occurs on the oldest leaves first and most extensively.
Lesions are elliptical in shape, varying from 0.4 to 0.8 inches in diameter and from 2.0 to 5.5 inches in length. The lesion has a cream to tan-colored center with a reddish purple or tan margin. A very broad, yellow halocharacteristically surrounds the lesion and separates it from symptoms caused by northern corn leaf blight. In some cases, the entire leaf may turn yellow. As the season progresses, adjacent lesions may coalesce to form extensive necrotic areas, causing premature leaf death.