The pathology of seed treatments in corn production with particular reference to the corn-Fusarium pahtosystem
Fungicide seed treatments have been used in corn production since the 1930s, although the pathology behind this practice is not well understood. The range of active ingredients being used in seed treatments continues to increase.
Corn is susceptible to infection that by numerous fungal pathogens at planting results in seedling blight and loss of stand. Chief among these pathogens are Fusarium spp. that also result in root rots, stalk rots, ear rots and mycotoxin production. Sources of inoculum include seed, crop residue and the soil.
We are investigating the effect of new and registered fungicide active ingredients on F. verticillioides seedborne inoculum, and soilborne Fusarium spp. inoculum. Our goal is to improve early season disease management through an enhanced understanding of the pathology of corn seedling blight and the effectiveness of fungicide active ingredients against seedborne and soilborne inocula.
Abstracts
Rodriguez-Brljevich, C. and Robertson, A.E. 2008. Effectiveness of fungicide seed treatments against seed-borne Fusarium verticillioides in maize (Zea mays L.) Phytopathology 98: S134.
Rodriguez-Brljevich, C., Robertson, A.E., Kanobe, C., Nordman, D.J. and Shanahan, J.F. 2008. Fungicide seed treatments reduce infection of maize by soilborne Fusarium species and thereby contribute to improved photosynthesis. Phytopathology 98: S134.
