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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Investigating Fungal Pathogenicity Mechanisms in Maize
Published on: September 15, 2023
Simple Detection of Cochliobolus Fungal Pathogens in Maize
In Jeong Kang1, Hyeong Kwon Shim1, Jae Hwan Roh1
1Crop Cultivation and Environment Research Division, National Institute of Crop Science, Suwon 16613, Korea.
Abstract:
Northern corn leaf spot and southern corn leaf blight caused by Cochliobolus carbonum (anamorph, Bipolaris zeicola) and Cochliobolus heterostrophus (anamorph, Bipolaris maydis), respectively, are common maize diseases in Korea. Accurate detection of plant pathogens is necessary for effective disease management. Based on the polyketide synthase gene (PKS) of Cochliobolus carbonum and the nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene (NRPS) of Cochliobolus heterostrophus, primer pairs were designed for PCR to simultaneously detect the two fungal pathogens and were specific and sensitive enough to be used for duplex PCR analysis. This duplex PCR-based method was found to be effective for diagnosing simultaneous infections from the two Cochliobolus species that display similar morphological and mycological characteristics. With this method, it is possible to prevent infections in maize by detecting infected seeds or maize and discarding them. Besides saving time and effort, early diagnosis can help to prevent infections, establish comprehensive management systems, and secure healthy seeds.
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