Diseases

Helminthosporium leaf blight of maize

Zea mays L.

A group of maize diseases caused by the fungi Helminthosporium maydis and Exserohilum turcicum, manifesting as specific leaf spots and ear rot.

In the reference 613 varieties crop Maize, where this is mentioned in the description.

Southern corn leaf blight is caused by the fungus Helminthosporium maydis and is characterized by spindle-shaped spots on the leaves with a dark brown center. Races O, T, and C are known, of which race T is considered the most aggressive, as it is capable of causing ear rot and infecting plants with CMS-type cytoplasm.

Northern corn leaf blight is caused by the pathogen Exserohilum turcicum and manifests as large, elongated necrotic spots up to 20 cm in length. When breeding for resistance to this disease, race-specific Ht genes (Ht1, Ht2, Ht3) are used, which provide qualitative protection, as well as the Htn1 gene, which suppresses the fungus sporulation process.

General information about the subject — on the page Helminthosporiosis.

Sources8

Varieties of Maize mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.