Ear rots of maize

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Pest and pest injury identification
Arable crops
Maize
Ear rots of maize

Ear rots of maize

Fusarium spp. causing ear rots are the most economically significant diseases in most European regions and, with the exception of Spain, are an increasing problem in Europe.

Ear and kernel rots decrease yield, quality and the feed value of the grain. The most important diseases are red ear rot (or Gibberella ear rot) and pink ear rot (also called Fusarium ear rot). Red ear rot is caused by Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum, whereas pink ear rot is caused by Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium subglutinans.

Picture of Red ear rot of maize

In red ear rot, infection starts at the tip of the ear just after female flowering and moves toward the base. Typically the husks are also infected and fuse with the ear.

Picture of red ear rot of maize

Red ear rot of maize (Copyright Elzbieta CZEMBOR (IHAR))
Picture of Red ear rot of maize

Red ear rot of maize (Copyright Elzbieta CZEMBOR (IHAR))

In pink ear rot, infection tends to be more uniform, with no real concentration at the tip.
Picture of Pink ear rot of maize

Modification date : 25 April 2023 | Publication date : 26 August 2013 | Redactor : Elzbieta CZEMBOR (IHAR)