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QUARANTINE: Claviceps africana is widespread throughout the Americas. Recent research indicates that there is one clone of the pathogen present in this area. Thus, restriction of seed movement between countries in the Americas will not serve any useful control purpose, especially since there is such ready wind-borne dispersal of the pathogen across borders. However, since a different clone of this pathogen has been identified in Australia and Asia, it would be prudent to restrict seed movement between these areas and the Americas.

CULTURAL: In many countries, adjustments in the sowing dates have been used to escape ergot. In Texas, fall-planted sorghum in the Lower Rio Grande Valley has the highest risk for ergot, and this risk should be considered if the grower is contemplating a fall crop. With hybrid seed production, A-lines (male sterile lines) are at risk if there are problems with pollen availability. To reduce the risk, the number of continuous rows of A-lines can be reduced, while the number of R-lines (pollinator lines) can be increased.
CHEMICAL: The fungicides used as seed treatments are effective at eliminating the superficial contamination of seed with spores from honeydew.The only chemical available for ergot control in the field is propiconazole (Tilt), available in Texas under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Three applications can be made using aerial or ground equipment, at a maximum rate of 4 fluid oz. (0.113 lb a.i.) per acre per application. The product is to be applied in a minimum of 15 gallons of water per acre by ground or a minimum of 5 gallons of water by air. No more than 12 fluid oz. product (0.3375 lb a.i.) can be used per acre per crop season. A preharvest interval of 21 days is required. Do not rotate to any crop intended for food, grazing, or any component of animal feed or bedding within 105 days of Tilt application, unless the crop appears on the product label.

For more information see section on Chemical Control Research

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