Effect of Fusarium Ear Rot on Corn Yields

Abstract

Fungi from the genus Fusarium, particularly F. graminearum and F. moniliforme, frequently cause ear rot of corn. The degree of damage varies according to the conditions for development and distribution of the pathogens as well as susceptibility of the plants. Besides decreasing corn yields, the fungi secrete toxic substances, causing mycotoxicoses in domestic animals. The efficiency of corn breeding for resistance to Fusarium ear rot may be expressed through yield as well as other indicators. In 1975-1977, a number of approved corn hybrids, prospective hybrids and inbred lines were tested. Ears were inoculated 10 days after silking using the most pathogenic isolates of F. graminearum. Infection intensity was evaluated during harvest, on a scale of 0-5. Average decreases of grain yield after inoculation were 32.2-58.5% for the tested hybrids and 15.6-22.3% for the inbred lines.