Diseases of Maize
Leaf Blight
Caused by : Helmithosporium Maides
Symptoms of Damage
- We can observe small yellowish round/oval water soaked spots on the lower leaves and gradually spreads to upper leaves.
- Later spots of reddish brown margin covered with grey centre start to enlarge and become elliptical.
- Severe infestation leads to blighted appearance on the leaves.
- This Fungus affects crop in younger stage.
Management
Spray Mancozeb of 2g/lit
Use JU Strepto plus Fungicide to control this diseases.
Use Plantomycin
Combination of Carbendazim and Mancozeb can also be used.
Maize Rust
Caused by : Puccinia sorghii
It is one of the fungal diseases which is caused due to germination of conidia by the fungus at temperature 10-12 degrees.
Symptoms of Damage
- Brown coloured structures/pustules are seen on both surface of leaves
- Uredospores are found on the rust fungus.
- The alternate host is Oxalis corniunlata.
- Cool temperature and high relative humidity favours the disease
- Heavy infestation often reduces the vigour of the plant and finally leading to the death of the plant.
Management
Spray Mancozeb @ 1.25kg/ha.
Seed treatment with Carbendazim @ 2g/kg of seeds.
Use Ridomil gold to control this disease.
Downy Mildew
Caused by : Peranosclerospora Sorghii
This disease is found in most of the crops. Young plants are highly susceptible (non tolerable) to this disease. This disease is caused due to low temperature and high relative humidity.
Symptoms of Damage
- Affected plants become stunted
- Pale colouration of leaves and downy growth on under surface of the leaves.
- Chlorotic streaks appear on the leaf and white fungus growth is seen on both the surfaces of leaf.
- Sometimes leafy growths in the tassel and proliferation of axillary buds on the stalk of the tassel are noticed.
Management
Spray Metalaxyl @ 2g/lit
Use Acrisio and Merivon fungicides to control this disease.
PESTS OF MAIZE
Stem Bore
Causal Organism : Chilo partellus
Symptoms of damage
- Larvae bores the midrib of the plant and enter the stem,feeds on the internal tissues.
- Central shoot of Maize shows “dead heart” symptom.
- Bore holes can be easily observed on the stem near the nodes.
- Young larva crawls and feeds on the tender leaves causing typical “shot hole” symptom.
- The whole crop will be lost due to its damage
Management
Spray Emamectin Benzoate to control this disease
Use insecticides like Thiodicarb and Lambda Cyhalothrin to control this pest.
Use Dimethoate @ 660ml/ha
Fall Armyworm
Causal organism : Helicoverpa armigera
Symptoms of damage
Young larva feeds on tender leaves
Mature larva makes circular holes
Inserts its half of the body inside the cobs and damages the crop
Management
Use Daman 47
Use Emamectin Benzoate
Use Corage
Use Vayego