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Undiagnosed fungus on maize in Guatemala - Request for information

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A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases

A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases <http://www.isid.org>

Wed 11 Feb 2009
Source: Prensa Libre [in Spanish, trans. Rappt.SB, edited] <http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2009/febrero/11/294505.html>

Fungus causing losses in maize yields

Maize is the staple diet for thousands of Guatemalans. Farmers of Alta Verapaz, Quiche, and Peten have been hit since last December [2008] by a fungus called 'slick asphalt', which blackens maize crops, reported the National Basic Grains Commission (Conagrab).

The president of Conagrab, Alberto Ical, said that crop losses of up to 75 per cent due to this fungus have been reported in Chisec, Alta Verapaz, and La Chapina, Quiche, where maize production of 30 000 and 40 000 quintals [3000 and 4000 tonnes], respectively, had been estimated. Outbreaks of the disease have also been detected in Sayaxche, Peten, with estimated crop losses of 50 per cent, Ical added.

Edgar Grisolia, deputy minister of agriculture, confirmed the appearance of the fungus in maize and said he ordered an investigation to determine the origin of the problem and how to fight it. In any event, he explained, farmers were provided with fungicides and some spray pumps. "We can defeat (the disease), but if there are losses it is because they did not apply it (the fungicide) correctly," the official said. The deputy minister said that for now, there is no shortage of grain in the market, and that, if necessary, the import quotas opened by the Ministry of Economy would be used.

A group of researchers at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (ICTA) and others visited Ixcan, Quiche, to determine the details of the problem, reported Oscar Salazar, technician at this institution. The appearance of the fungus was reported in April 2007, when it destroyed maize plantings in areas of Peten. Losses were estimated at 60 per cent of local production. According to Salazar, the spread in the country is already cause for alarm. Grisolia and Salazar agreed that one way to prevent this and other diseases of maize is the use of improved seed.

The disease occurs in cool and humid conditions. Spots first appear on the lower leaves before flowering. Lesions may merge causing complete necrosis of foliage. Lumps of deep black colour are formed. The disease does not allow the ears to develop properly leading to poor quality grain. Only small kernels are produced, and those at the tip of the ears germinate prematurely.

[byline: Rosa Maria Bolanos]

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communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteur Susan Baekeland

[There are a large number of fungal pathogens that can affect maize. From the description of symptoms, especially the 'black lumps', perhaps a form of smut may be implicated. We would be most grateful for any information as to what this disease may be.

Maps
Guatemala:
<http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/americas/guatemala_pol00.jpg>  and
<http://healthmap.org/promed/en?g=3590964&v=15.5,-90.917,6>
Departments of Guatemala:
<http://www.guatemalaguides.com/about-guatemala/map-of-guatemala-by-departments.php#

Pictures of several fungal symptoms on maize via:
<http://maizedoctor.cimmyt.org/index.php?option=com_easygallery&act=categories&cid=325&Itemid=33

Links
Information and identification of common maize diseases via:
<http://maizedoctor.cimmyt.org/index.php>
List of diseases and pathogens of maize:
<http://www.apsnet.org/online/common/names/corn.asp>.  - Mod.DHA]

 

 

 

 

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