Maize

Bacterial Stalk Rot of Maize

Dickeya zeae

Bacteria

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In a Nutshell

  • Discoloration of leaves and leaf sheaths, later in the stalk.
  • Foul odor and the top of the plant becomes easily removable from the rest.
  • Internal discoloration of the stalk and slimy rot.

Can also be found in

2 Crops
Maize
Sorghum

Maize

Symptoms

The bacterial stalk rot of maize is characterized by the discoloration of leaves, leaf sheath and the nodes of the stalk. The disease then develops rapidly along the stalk and spreads up to other leaves. As the tissues decay, a foul odor can be detected and the top of the plant can be very easily removed from the rest of the plant. The stalk rots completely and occasionally the top collapses. A longitudinal cut of the stalk reveals internal discoloration and soft slimy rot that is more concentrated at the nodes. Because the bacteria usually do not spread from plant to plant, diseased plants are quite often found scattered throughout the field. However, there are reports of plant-to-plant transmission by some insect vectors. The disease is observed in maize when intermittent heavy rains are followed by high temperature and humid conditions.

Recommendations

Organic Control

There are no biological control options available for E. chrysanthemi at the moment. Please notify us if you know of any.

Chemical Control

Always consider an integrated approach of preventive measures together with biological treatments if available. Chlorination of irrigation water or soil drenching with bleaching powder (33% chlorin @ 10 kg/ha) at pre flowering stage is recommended. Formulations containing copper oxychloride can also be effectively applied against the disease. Finally, the addition of 80 kg/ha of MOP in two splits reduces the severity of the symptoms.

What caused it?

The symptoms are caused by the bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi, which overwinters only in stalk residues above the soil surface, but is unable to survive for longer than a year there. There is no evidence that the bacterium is transmitted via seeds. Disease is favored by temperatures of 32-35°C and high relative humidity. Frequent rainfall and overhead irrigation with sprinklers causes prolonged leaf wetness and the accumulation of water in the whorl. As this water heats, it can damage the plant tissues, providing openings through which infection can take place. Plants subjected to high temperatures or flooding may develop the symptoms first around the base of the plant. Irrigation water is believed to be the primary inoculum source. Although it may spread along the plant to infect additional nodes, the bacteria do not usually spread to neighboring plants unless vectored by an insect.

Preventive Measures

  • Plan a good drainage system to avoid flooding.
  • Plant resilient varieties, if available in your area.
  • Monitor the field regularly for symptoms of the disease.
  • Avoid excess nitrogen and always split the applications.
  • Amend with high doses of phosphorus and potassium to decrease the incidence of the disease.
  • Avoid irrigation during very hot periods of the day where water can collect in the plant whorl.
  • In endemic areas, farmers are advised to incorporate green manure in soil before sowing of maize.
  • Incorporate debris in the soil after harvest to break the cycle.

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