Which fungus is associated with the crazy top disease in sorghum?

Crazy top disease in sorghum is caused by a specific type of fungus referred to as "Crazy top." This pathogen, known scientifically as Sphacelotheca sorghi, is a soil-borne fungus that is notably recognized for its association with this particular disease. The symptoms of crazy top disease include abnormal growth patterns in the plant, such as excessive tillering, reduction in kernel size, and the formation of unusual leafy structures at the top of the plant, which gives the disease its name.

While the other fungi listed, such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, and Phytophthora, are known to cause various plant diseases, they are not directly responsible for causing crazy top disease in sorghum. Each of these fungi has its own set of diseases and symptoms they cause in different plants or conditions, thus differentiating them from the specific effect of Crazy top. Understanding the specific pathogens associated with particular diseases is crucial for effective disease management and prevention in agriculture.