The problem of maize root rot is a fairly common phenomenon faced by farmers. It is caused by soil pathogens, namely: Pythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia spp. The following types of maize root rot can be distinguished: charcoal, white, bacterial, fusarium. Root rot infects crops, thinning them out and reducing the stem length. If the root rot damage is severe enough, the length of the cobs becomes shorter, as well as the number and weight of grains.
It is worth noting that maize root rot can cause up to 100% yield loss, which means that farmers incur unjustified costs and business losses. Usually, the rot covers the roots of the plant with a thin layer, so sometimes it is difficult to notice, the roots begin to peel off, and then the corn can completely lose its roots and die.
If root rot of maize is widespread on the field, the cobs develop slowly, the grain weight will be 25-35% less, and as a result, the quality of the crop will decrease by 20-60%, respectively. Seeds can turn completely black, and their sowing properties will be significantly reduced.
All these problems lead to the complete death of young corn shoots. According to studies available in the scientific literature, “the yield loss due to corn root rot can be from 10 to 20%.[1]
Symptoms of maize root rot
The most common symptoms of maize root rot are the following:
– Insufficient and irregular growth, small ears or wilting.
-The appearance of small yellow-brown lesions on the roots of maize, later the roots turn dark brown and the process of decay begins.
– Symptoms of root rot appear in the second half of the growing season on 2-3 nodes and internodes located below. Root rot damage to maize internodes can be seen by early yellowing and the appearance of white spots on them.
– On the decaying roots, one can see streaks or spots of brown colour, which become even darker over time and turn red or red-brown.
– Black spots appear on the grains
If the maize is affected by root rot, the longitudinal section of the internode shows a core that has a white-pink or orange-pink colour, the tissues of the affected nodes rot, become rotten, and have empty spaces, which leads to drying out, crop losses, and as a result, losses for the agricultural business.
According to research by experts at the Institute of Steppe Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, it is important to harvest maize in a short time to reduce grain losses and ensure high quality products. [2]
Methods of controlling root rot in maize
To control root rot, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures, namely
Proper soil preparation,
selection of disease-resistant maize hybrids and controlled use of mineral fertilisers;
It is also important to conduct regular field inspections to detect early signs of disease.
Preventing root rot in maize
Preventing root rot starts with proper crop rotation and the use of quality seeds. Moreover, it is important to avoid delayed harvesting, especially in wet weather, which can contribute to the development of rot.
It is very important not to damage the seeds during the harvesting and storage of maize, it is necessary to maintain optimal temperatures, prevent excessive moisture or drying of the grains.
Why can maize root rot be prevented with Green Clinic Lifescience?
Clinic Lifescience offers innovative, scientifically based solutions to reveal the productivity reserves of the agricultural business.
With the precise analysis of the soil microbiota by BioFiling™, you can find out if the maize root rot pathogen is present in the field where you intend to plant maize before you even start the process.
– This analysis makes it possible to select maize varieties and hybrids that will be resistant to the types of root rot present in a particular field, thus allowing farmers to reduce yield losses.
– Save money;
– Improve corn yields and crop quality;
– Rationally select and apply fertilizers and plant protection products against diseases and pests:
– Increase the ecological value of the crop;
– Implement sustainable agricultural business development practices.
As a result, corn root rot is a serious problem that requires innovative agro-technological solutions and a responsible approach by agrarians.
The use of modern agrotechnical methods and science-based solutions can help reduce crop losses and ensure the sustainable development of agricultural business.
[2] Krasennikov S.V., Dudka M.I., Isayenkov V.V. et al. “Optimisation of harvesting time of maize hybrids of different maturity groups” Electronic resource: [Access mode: https://journal-grain-crops.com/uk/arhiv/view/5b17a00bcb15b.pdf]
[1] Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Deliang Peng Kanan Saikai, Milad Rashidifard “Chapter 7 – The problem of nematodes in maize and their sustainable management”, 2013, pp.167-181. [Access mode: Electronic resource https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780323912266000183