Diseases of maize (Makki)
Maize
is very efficient water user. It needs large quantities of irrigation
water for high yield, because drought conditions lead to lower yields
and lower quality grains. Maize requires 6-8 irrigations. First
irrigation 3-4 weeks after sowing, remaining may be given at 10-15
days interval. The grain formation is critical growth stage. It
is not important grain crop in Sindh, but is grown mostly as fodder
crop and very rare as for grain. More than 70 different diseases
of maize are reported in the world, which hit the crop and cause
considerable damage. Seedling rots reduces stand. Many fungi produce
root rot, stalk spotting and early dying due to stalk and root rots.
Helminthosporium leaf spots are characterised by small spots with
light border or very large light grey spots. Common corn smut, discussed
below, is one of the most important than all others.
Diseases
of Maize & their control
Maize
is most important cereal crop of the world in terms of its total
global production. It ranks second to wheat and equal to rice. Globally,
67 percent of maize is used for livestock feed, 25 percent for human
consumption and industrial purposes, while 5 percent is used for
seed purpose to sow next crop |
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Millet
and sorghum are most important cereal crops of the Dessert and Mountain
(Thar-Cholistan and Kohistan) areas of the world including Pakistan.
Millet is the principle cereal crop in the infertile, semi arid
zones. Its acreage is dependent on the amount and time of the rainfall,
as it is mostly confined in rained areas. Sorghum is heat and drought
resistant cereal crop and remains dormant during moisture stress
conditions and resumes growth under favourable moisture conditions. These crops are subjected to a number of diseases, which are responsible for reducing their overall production to a great extent. The plants in all stages of growth and in all natural environments are subject to various mechanical, physiologic and biological stresses that interfere with their normal growth and development. Weather, toxicants, pollutants, insects, viruses, fungi, nematodes, bacteria and weeds are primary hazards to the production of crops. The actual number of maize, millet and sorghum diseases is unknown, but some of the most common and important diseases are discussed according to Kamal and Moghal (1968), Hafiz (1986), Nyvall (1979) and Jiskani (1999). |
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Smut (Ustilago
maydis) |
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