Claviceps sorghicola sp. nov. a destructive ergot pathogen of sorghum in Japan

Anew Claviceps species that causes ergot in sorghum and Sudan grass in Japan is distinct. The neiv species 15 distincb from C soghi and C, africana, from India and Africa, respectively, in the colour and texture of sclerotia, colour and morphology of stromata arising from the sclerotic and size of ascospores and conidia. The pathogen infected only Sorghum in inoculation tests using II gramineous plants. Hyphal growth of C. sorghicola was 1 mm d(-1) on PDA at 25(degree) C Production of a different ergoline alkaloid in the sclerotia was suggested.