Importance of Different Pathways for Maize Kernel Infection by Fusarium moniliforme

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Mycology

Background:

• Fusarium moniliforme is a significant pathogen affecting maize.
• Understanding infection pathways is crucial for disease management in maize hybrids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the relative importance of seed, stalk, and silk infection pathways for Fusarium moniliforme in maize.
• To investigate the systemic movement of Fusarium moniliforme within maize plants.

Main Methods:

• Field experiments were conducted in 1993 and 1994.
• Inoculation of maize with specific Fusarium moniliforme strains via seed, stalk, and silks.
• Vegetative compatibility was used to track fungal strain movement.

Main Results:

• Seed transmission of Fusarium moniliforme to kernels occurred but was less effective than other pathways.
• Stalk inoculation led to systemic infection in stalks and kernels (up to 95% in individual plants).
• Silk inoculation was the most effective pathway, significantly increasing overall kernel infection (mean up to 83.7%) and outcompeting other strains.

Conclusions:

• While systemic infection from seed and stalk contributes to kernel infection, silk inoculation is the primary pathway for Fusarium moniliforme.
• Competition among strains was observed, with silk-inoculated strains reducing infection by seed or stalk-borne strains.