干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Sorghum and pearl millet are essential crops in and and semi-arid regions of Asia. Sorghum is threatened mainly by grain molds, stalk rots, and ergot, while pearl millet is threatened by downy mildew, ergot, smut, and rust, among others. New biotechnology methods, e.g., induced systemic resistance, are attracting more attention than are conventional technologies, e.g., host plant resistance, plant breeding and cultural practices. The introduction of new technologies based on shorter duration and higher-yielding genotypes requires new strategies to avoid disease stress. In this presentation, we review progress made in Asia during the past ten years, evaluate the effectiveness of available strategies for disease management, and identify areas in which further research is needed.