Rotting occurs on the leaf sheath that encloses the young panicles. Chocolate colored spots or lesionscauses discoloration in the sheath.

Due to severe infection of the fungus, entire or parts of young panicles will remain within the sheath and un-emerged panicles rot and florets turn red-brown to dark brown.

Infected panicles and grains are sterile, shriveled, partially or unfilled.