Status of post flowering stalk rots of maize and associated fungi in Punjab

Disease surveys conducted in different maize growing areas of Punjab revealed that post flowering stalk rot incidence and severity were comparatively high on private sector hybrids/locals as compared to public sector hybrids. The highest disease incidence (38.0%) and severity (32.5%) were recorded from Khurda (Nawanshahar) on 31-Y-45 (Pioneer hybrid) and the lowest disease incidence (2.0 and 3.0%) and severity (1.8 and 1.5%) were observed on PMHI and PMH 2 hybrids, respectively. The mean disease incidence and severity were maximum in the district of Hoshiarpur closely followed by Nawanshahar during both Kharif and spring season. Frequency of occurrence of F. moniliforme on stalk rot infected plants was highest followed by Macrophomina phaseolina and Cephalosporium maydis during spring and Kharif seasons. Fusarium sp. other than F. moniliforme and Dickeya zeae (Erwinia chrysanthemi pv. zeae) were also found associated with diseased plants.