The discovery this week in deep South Texas of a devastating fungal disease could have serious implications for sorghum growers throughout the United States. It reduces grain yields, damages the quality of seed, and threatens lucrative export markets. Ergot is also commercially important because quarantine restrictions are imposed against it by many countries, Isakeit said. Because of warm climates at the time of flowering, ergot is not expected to severely affect grain sorghum production in South Texas. The disease could, however, continue its northward trek via forage sorghum in Central Texas, and eventually affect sorghum grown for seed in other parts of the state and nation.
Sorghum is a cereal grass with corn-like leaves and a thick stem.
Its grain is produced in a cluster atop the plant and is used in livestock feed. It is grown for human consumption in some parts of the world. It then spread quickly throughout South and Central America. As late as February, the disease was confirmed in Puerto Rico and Tamaulipas, Mexico. In 1997, it's projected that 12 million to 13 million acres will be planted in the United States.