Drechslera leaf spot of millet is caused by the fungus Drechslera dematioidea. Little is known about the disease cycle, but the pathogen apparently overwinters in infested crop debris. Spores (conidia) are disseminated by wind. The disease is favored by warm, humid weather.
Drechslera leaf spot symptoms appear on leaves as elliptically-shaped, yellow to gray to tan lesions up to 1 inch or longer. The centers of lesions are usually grayish to tan with a tan margin. During warm, humid weather, lesions have a dark gray appearance because of abundant sporulation. Lesions enlarge and blighting of entire leaves may occur during warm, humid weather. The disease is of little importance in the High Plains region.
No biological control strategies have been developed for Drechslera leaf spot.
Crop rotation, sanitation of crop debris, and weed control may reduce pathogen survival and disease.
No chemical controls are available or needed for Drechslera leaf spot.
Categories: Millet, Disease, Drechslera Leaf Spot
Date: 03/22/2005