Diseases

Maize root rot

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group)

A complex of fungal diseases of maize caused by soil-borne pathogens of the genera Fusarium, Pythium, as well as Bipolaris sorokiniana and Stenocarpella macrospora. It leads to root decay, stunted growth, and plant lodging due to the destruction of the basal stem.

In the reference 8 varieties crop Maize, where this is mentioned in the description.

The pathogens of the disease are of fungal etiology and affect plants at all stages of vegetation. At the seedling stage, browning and death of sprouts occur; plant death before emergence is possible. During the growing season, there is general growth retardation, yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as darkening of the root system.

A characteristic sign of infection under high humidity is the appearance of white, pink, or reddish mycelium on the roots and the basal part of the stem. As the disease develops, the pith of the underground internodes softens and disintegrates, which triggers maize lodging. Specific vertical resistance genes to this complex of pathogens have not been identified, so breeding programs focus on general field resistance of hybrids.

General information about the subject — on the page Root rots.

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.