High Plains disease found in Washington State (US)
In 1998, samples of sweet maize (Zea mays) showing symptoms of mosaic, yellow streaking and severe stunting were observed in 3 eastern counties of Washington State, USA. Older leaves showed extensive tip burn and severe scorch. Microscopic observation revealed the presence of eriophyid mites within leaf whorls. ELISA tests confirmed the presence of wheat High Plains disease (EPPO Alert List) in sweet maize (Z. mays cvs Golden Jubilee, Peaches Cream, Lyric). The disease was also found on a fourth location on maize. This is the first report of High Plains disease in Washington State.
Sources
Bentley, E.M.; Eastwell, K.C. (2000) First report of High Plains disease in Washington corn (Zea mays). Abstract of a paper presented at the APS Pacific Division meeting in Riverside, California, 1999-06-15/16, USA.
Phytopathology, 90(6), S 117.