Charcoal rot

Caused by: Macrophomina phaseolina
Problem Category: Fungal Disease
Symptoms: Lower stalk appears shredded and dark gray; small, black fungal structures on internal parts of the stalk giving tissues a dark gray color; pith decomposes leaving only the outer stem tissue; infected plants will usually lodge
Comments: Damage from the disease is usually greatest in fields which are subject to drought stress
Management: Plant varieties with strong stems; plant sorghum in fertile soil and avoid overcrowding unless using irrigation; use irrigation during flowering and grain-filling to reduce drought stress; rotate crop with cotton to reduce disease severit
Control: