Effect on Yield Losses on Maize (Zea mays L.) Caused by Smut Disease (Ustilago maydis (DC) Corda)

Authors : Mehmet AYDOĞDU, Nuh BOYRAZ, Yüksel KAYA

Pages : 23-30

View : 22 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 2016-01-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Ustilago maydis ,the causal agent of maize smut disease, can cause significant yield losseson maize under favorable conditions for the fungus. The aim of thestudy was to determine yield losses due to U . maydis insome cultivars belonging to different maize variety groups. Thus,a 2-year field experiment was conducted in Antalya Province in 2010 and in2011.Inoculations of U . maydis were performed by injecting inoculum into apical nodes of plants, 40- 60 cm high, and ear silk in inoculated plots. For each treatment, control plots were also set up.Mean yield losses of the cultivars tested in 2010 and 2011 were at the rates of 22,3% and 46,3%, respectively. However, of all the varieties, mean yield losses of the two-year varied from 23,1% to 41,4%. The highest yield losseswere found on dent corn cultivars insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Ada-523, Pioneer-3394 and Side);, whereas,  the lowest yield losses were on sweet corn variety, Merit.
Keywords : Corn, yield, losses, fungus