Disease discovery
Disease discovery
A NEW leafspot disease has been found in maize crops, but so far severe cases are restricted to the south-west and Wales.
According to the Maize Growers Association, the disease, similar to eyespot in maize, consists of small circles with white centres and dark brown margins surrounded by a yellow halo. NIAB pathologists have identified it as Katabaliella zeae. Tests to confirm the diagnosis and establish control methods are being undertaken.
Weather conditions in some areas have been conducive to the disease, says Jane Thomas, NIAB plant pathologist. "Most serious cases have been in areas that have had a lot of cool, wet weather.
Its a debris-borne disease affecting the whole plant. Spores are wind blown so it spreads quickly. "We have to understand more about the disease before giving growers specific control advice, although theres no reason to panic and not grow the crop next year.
"Removing infected debris from fields should protect next years maize crops from re-infection and other control measures will become available." There is no evidence to suggest that the disease is variety specific, she added.
NIAB is to advise maize growers on control and protection strategies when it has some concrete conclusions. "Our best advice is that where diseased leaves have died harvest now to stop further losses," says Dr Thomas. *