Mode of infection of maize by Stenocarpella maydis
In South Africa studies were carried out to investigate the mode of penetration and colonization of maize by Stenocarpella maydis (EPPO A2 organism) as well as the time and site of inoculation of maize for an optimum infection of ears to cause ear rot.
Scanning electron microscope studies revealed that S. maydis conidia germinated on all plant material types after 5 h of incubation at a temperature of 30ø C. After 72 h of incubation appressoria had formed on the hyphal tips. The penetration was achieved by a penetration hypha which resulted in the intercellular and intracellular colonization of the plant tissues. The authors suggested that the host colonization is facilitated by enzyme activities of the fungus, since the colonization was accompanied by a degradation of the cell walls. (a)
The highest incidence of S. maydis ear rot occured when a conidial suspension was placed on the shank at silking. (b)
Sources
a) Bensch, M.J.; Van Staden, J. (1992) Ultrastructural histopathology of infection and colonization of maize by Stenocarpella maydis (= Diplodia maydis).
Journal of Phytopathology 136, 312-318.
b) Bensch, M.J.; Van Staden, J.; Rijkenberg, F.H.J. (1992) Time and site of inoculation of maize for optimum infection of ears by Stenocarpella maydis.
Journal of Phytopathology 136, 265-269.