Maize

Northern Leaf Blight

Setosphaeria turcica

Fungus

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In a Nutshell

  • Symptoms occur first on the lower leaves, with long narrow tan lesions parallel to leaf margins with dark margins 25-150mm long.
  • The disease causes the leaves to dry out, wither and die.

Can also be found in

3 Crops
Maize
Millet
Sorghum

Maize

Symptoms

The symptoms appear as small, oval, water-soaked spots on the lower leaves first. As the disease progresses, they start to appear on the upper part of the plant. Older spots slowly grow into tan, long cigar-shaped necrotic lesions with distinct dark specks and pale green, water-soaked borders. These lesions later coalesce and engulf a large part of the leaf blade and stalk, sometimes leading to death and lodging. If the infection spreads to the upper parts of the plant during the development of the cob. Severe yield losses can occur (up to 70%).

Recommendations

Organic Control

Bio-fungicides based on Trichoderma harzianum, or Bacillus subtilis can be applied at different stages to decrease the risk of infection. Application of sulfur solutions is also effective.

Chemical Control

An integrated approach with preventive measures together with careful cultural practices is recommended. An early preventative fungicide application can be an effective way of controlling the disease. Otherwise, fungicides can be applied when the symptoms are visible on lower canopy to protect the upper leaves and ears. Apply sprays based on azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, mancozeb, pyraclostrobin, propiconazole, tetraconazole Apply products based on picoxystrobin + cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin + metconazole, propiconazole + azoxystrobin, prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin. Seed treatments are not recommended.

What caused it?

The fungus overwinters in the soil or on plant debris. Rainfall, night dew, high humidity and moderate temperatures favor the dispersion of the the fungus. Carried by wind or rain splashes it first spreads from the soil onto the lower leaves of young maize plants. Rainy conditions and poor field practices favor its spread to other plants and within fields. Optimal temperatures for infection are in the range of 18 to 27°C during the growing season. A prolonged period of 6 to 18 hours of leaf wetness are also necessary. Sorghum is another favorite host of the fungus.

Preventive Measures

  • Grow resistant or tolerant varieties.
  • Ensure balanced nutrient supply and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
  • Weed regularly in and around the field.
  • Rotate with soybeans, beans, or sunflower to avoid extensive spreading.
  • Plow deep to bury plant debris and reduce the amount inoculum in the soil.

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