Maize bush stunt and corn stunt: Diseases of corn caused by molicutes

Authors

  • Nelson Sidnei Massola Júnior Universidade Estadual de Londrina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2001v22n2p237

Keywords:

Corn crops, Molicutes, Spiroplasma kunkelii, Phytoplasma.

Abstract

Maize Bushy Stunt and Corn Stunt are diseases of corn caused respectively by a phytoplasma (maize bushy stunt phytoplasma) and by Spiroplasma kunkelii. Both agents are restricted to the floem vessels of diseased plants. The leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is the vector of the diseases. The diseases are very harmfull to corn crops and can cause severe losses. Their importance increased very much in the last years mainly due to the continuous crops, which allow the perpetuation of corn, pathogens and vector over the year. Diseased plants show shortening, redening or yellowing and excessive proliferation of ears, among others symptoms. However, symptoms are variable according to the causal agent, environmental conditions and corn genotype. Correct diagnosis of the diseases has been reached with ELISA (“enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay”) and PCR (“polymerase chain reaction”). The use of resistant genotypes of corn is the main strategy of control of the diseases.

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Author Biography

Nelson Sidnei Massola Júnior, Universidade Estadual de Londrina

Professor Adjunto, Departamento de Agronomia/ CCA – Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Caixa Postal 6001, CEP 86051-970 -Londrina, PR.

Published

2004-02-28

How to Cite

Massola Júnior, N. S. (2004). Maize bush stunt and corn stunt: Diseases of corn caused by molicutes. Semina: Ciências Agrárias, 22(2), 237–243. https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2001v22n2p237

Issue

Section

Review Article

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