diseases of maize

Angel

What are some major diseases of maize?

Ephraim

There are several major diseases of maize, including:

1. Gray leaf spot: This disease causes grayish-green to brownish-gray leaf spots that can merge and form large lesions. It can lead to significant yield loss.

2. Common rust: This disease causes orange to brownish-red pustules on the leaves, which can also affect the ears and cause yield loss.

3. Northern corn leaf blight: This disease causes cigar-shaped lesions that are gray-green to tan in color. It can also cause yield loss.

4. Southern corn leaf blight: This disease causes oval to oblong lesions that are tan to brown in color. It can also lead to yield loss.

5. Maize streak virus: This viral disease is transmitted by leafhoppers and causes yellow streaks on the leaves, which can reduce yield.

6. Fusarium ear rot: This disease causes pink to reddish mold growth on the ears, which can produce mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and livestock.

7. Diplodia ear rot: This disease causes white mold growth on the ears and can also produce mycotoxins.

Proper disease management strategies such as crop rotation, planting disease-resistant varieties, and timely application of fungicides can help to minimize the impact of these diseases on maize production.