Identification symptoms
Affects ragi in all stages of growth
Seedling stage :
1. Spindle shaped lesions of varying sizes are formed (greyish-green in the center with a yellowish margin, but later the central portion turns whitish and gradually disintegrates)
2. In the early stages of the infection, the lesions are isolated but often quickly coalesce and cover extensive areas.
Infection in the mature plant is very similar to that of the seedling stage.
1. Lesions may measure 1 to 2 cm in length and 0.3 to 0.5 cm in width.
Heading stage :
1. The upper peduncle immediately below the head becomes infected over an area of 3.0 to 5.0 cm. These infected areas become discolored and shrunken. A hollowed grey fungus growth covers the area. Grain formation may be inhibited completely or the developed grains will be shrivelled.