Management of sorghum anthracnose through diversification of genetic resistance in host population

The aims of the present study were to assess the efficiency of hybrid sorghum mixtures for the management of anthracnose and analyze the virulence diversity and structure in the pathogen populations developed in response to these mixtures. Proportions of 25%, 50% and 75% of the susceptible BRS304 hybrid in relation to the resistant IG150 hybrid were evaluated. Six weekly evaluations of severity were performed. The data were transformed into area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). The isolates of Colletotrichum sublineolum were sampled from hybrid mixtures cultivated in Sete Lagoas and Indianópolis (Brazil) as well as sorghum fields in Rio Verde and Paraúna (Brazil). The increase in the proportion of the resistant hybrid in the mixtures led to a reduction in anthracnose severity. The most effective proportions were those with 25% and 50% of the susceptible variety blended with the resistant variety. Complex breeds of C. sublineolum predominated in the populations and a reduction in phenotype diversity was observed. This reduction in diversity was attributed to deviations in the degree of polymorphism in relation to virulence. However, the increase in complex breeds did not imply lesser efficiency on the part of the resistant hybrid in conferring protection to the susceptible hybrid.