Diseases

Rust of Popcorn

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Popcorn Group)

Fungal diseases caused by Puccinia sorghi and Puccinia polysora, to which popcorn shows increased susceptibility. Characterized by the appearance of specific pustules containing pathogen spores on the leaves.

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

Two main types of rust are distinguished in popcorn. Common rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia sorghi, manifests as oblong cinnamon-brown or reddish-brown pustules on both sides of the leaf, leaf sheaths, and husk leaves. Southern rust (caused by Puccinia polysora) is characterized by smaller, round or oval bright orange pustules that develop primarily on the upper surface of the leaf.

For crop protection, breeding is focused on the use of specific resistance genes. These include Rp genes, which are responsible for race-specific resistance to common rust, and Rpp genes (e.g., RppC, RppK, RppM, RppSLN), which provide resistance to southern rust. Since popcorn often exhibits high sensitivity to these pathogens, monitoring for the emergence of new races capable of overcoming these genes is critical for maintaining crop productivity.

General information about the subject — on the page Rust.

Sources8

Varieties of Popcorn 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.