How to Treat Dark blotch Disease on Maize?

Plant Encyclopedia

Plants A-Z Toxic Plants Weeds Plants by Region Plant Questions

Plant Care Guide

Houseplants Garden Plants Flowers Fruits & Vegetables

Identify Plants

English

English

繁體中文

日本語

Español

Français

Deutsch

Pусский

Português

Italiano

한국어

Nederlands

العربية

Svenska

Polskie

ภาษาไทย

Bahasa Melayu

Bahasa Indonesia

Search Plants

Try for Free

English

English

繁體中文

日本語

Español

Français

Deutsch

Pусский

Português

Italiano

한국어

Nederlands

العربية

Svenska

Polskie

ภาษาไทย

Bahasa Melayu

Bahasa Indonesia

Symptom Analysis

In Maize, Dark blotch starts as tiny, dark spots on the leaves that enlarge with a concentric ring pattern. The center often appears lighter. In severe cases, entire portions of the leaf may dry and shrivel.

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free

What Causes Dark blotch Disease on Maize?

Fungus

Dark blotch is primarily caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata, which uses air spores to quickly spread across Maize plants.

Environmental conditions

Warm and wet conditions favor the growth and spread of Dark blotch. Waterlogged areas with poor drainage are especially susceptible.

Optimize plant health with ideal lighting

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App for Free

How to Treat Dark blotch Disease on Maize?

Non pesticide

Removal of infected parts: Periodically check Maize plants for symptoms. Remove affected areas immediately to prevent spread.

Improve drainage: Improve field drainage to reduce excess moisture and waterlogging. This can significantly limit the spread of fungus.

Pesticide

Fungicide application: Apply fungicides specifically designed to treat Dark blotch at the start of the rainy season or at the first signs of infection.

How to Prevent Dark blotch on Maize?

Crop rotation

Implement crop rotation with non-host species, decreasing the likelihood of a recurrence.

Fungicide treatment

Administer preventative fungicide treatments at the start of the rainy season to prevent Dark blotch.

Get tips and tricks for your plants

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more!

Download the App for Free

When is Dark blotch Most Active Period on Maize?

Dark blotch is most active during rainy, warm seasons, where conditions favor the rapid growth and spread of Alternaria alternata spores.

Infectivity

Highly

Dark blotch is highly contagious due to the airborne nature of Alternaria alternata spores. Humid, warm conditions increase its spread.

Lethality

Moderately

Although Dark blotch's immediate threat to Maize's life is moderate, if not treated, it can significantly reduce plant vigor and crop yield.

FAQs on Maize

What causes Dark blotch to spread so rapidly?

Alternaria alternata, the fungus causing Dark blotch, reproduces through air spores, enabling rapid spread. Warm and wet conditions favor its spread.

Can Dark blotch completely destroy my Maize crop?

While unlikely, severe Dark blotch infestations can significantly reduce crop yield. Early detection and management are critical.

What parts of the Maize does Dark blotch primarily affect?

Dark blotch primarily affects the leaves of Maize, limiting photosynthesis and causing a decrease in its health and productivity.

Why is it called 'Dark blotch'?

The disease is named for the characteristic dark, blotchy spots it forms on the leaves of the Maize.

Can humans contract Dark blotch from infected Maize?

No, Dark blotch is specific to plants and cannot infect humans.

How long does it take for Dark blotch symptoms to appear on Maize?

The exact timeframe varies, but symptoms typically appear one to two weeks following wet, warm weather conditions ideal for fungal growth.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Identify toxic plants around you

Download the App for Free

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Other Common Problems About Maize

MainImg

Brown spot is a fungal disease affecting Maize, leading to yield reduction and quality loss. Its primary cause is the pathogen Bipolaris maydis, and it is most active in warm, damp conditions. Though moderately infectious, it's lethal on a smaller scale.

MainImg

Leaf rot is a detrimental disease affecting Maize, causing serious damage to its leaves. The disease, usually perpetrated by various fungi, interferes with photosynthesis, stunting growth, and decreasing yields.

MainImg

Caterpillars significantly affect Maize, causing damage leading to reduced output and hampered growth. They consume the foliage, bore into the cobs, and disrupt the plant's photosynthesis process. These insect larvae can greatly impact yield quality if left unchecked.

Rust mold in Maize is a fungal infection causing discoloration, stunted growth, and potential yield reduction. Effective management is critical to minimize economic and agronomic impact.

Leaf Spot is a disease that significantly affects Maize, leading to yield loss. It's caused by a group of fungi that create noticeable brown, gray, or black spots on the plant's leaves. High moisture and moderate temperatures facilitate disease spread.

Leafminer stripe

Leafminer stripe is a significant disease affecting Maize, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. The disease often results in leaf discoloration and poor corn ear development. It's caused by pests, typically prevalent in warmer climates, but can inflict damage throughout the growing season.

Yellow edges is a destructive condition affecting Maize, triggered by nutrient deficiencies, specifically a lack of magnesium, and imbalanced pH. This disease can cause significant yield loss and poor crop quality if left untreated.

Large spot mold

Large spot mold, caused by the fungus Bipolaris maydis, is a disease that affects Maize, causing potential loss of yield. It leads to oblong to circular grayish green lesions on the leaves, signaling severe infection.

Lack of fertilizer

Lack of fertilizer profoundly affects Maize by stunting growth, reducing yields, and causing malnutrition. Caused by insufficient nutrient supply, this non-contagious, low lethality condition can dramatically impact plant health and productivity if left unchecked.

Leaf tip withering

Leaf tip withering is a detrimental disease affecting Maize, resulting in dehydration and impaired photosynthesis. It's primarily caused by inadequate watering and nutrient imbalances. The disease, left untreated, can be lethal and is moderately infectious amongst the same species.

Fruit rot is a severe disease affecting Maize, leading to significant yield loss. Resulting from fungal growth, primarily due to high humidity and rainfall, this condition causes discolouration, wilting, and decay of the fruit. Effective management is crucial to maintain crop health.

Wilting is a disease that severely affects Maize, causing its leaves to droop and discolor. The disease interrupts normal water flow within the plant, thereby inhibiting growth and productivity and may potentially lead to the plant's death if not treated appropriately.

Leaf yellowing in Maize indicates a decline in chlorophyll, affecting photosynthesis and potentially leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.

Crown gall is a bacterial plant disease that causes tumour-like growths mainly on the stem of Maize. It hampers the normal growth and development, thus hugely impacting yield quality and quantity.

Dark spots is a fungal disease affecting Maize causing spots on leaves that can stunt growth and reduce yield. Its cause, symptoms, activity period, and control methods vary, requiring informed prevention and management.

Leaf wilting in Maize significantly affects the plant's vigor, productivity, and overall development, leading to severe yield reductions if untreated. It involves premature sagging and dehydration of leaves due to insufficient water supply or damage.

Rust disease, scientifically known as Puccinia coronata causing severe decay, primarily affects Maize. This fungal disease triggers substantial yield loss and quality degradation. It is highly infectious, moderately lethal, and requires both cultural practices and chemical treatments for control and prevention.

Stem rot is a destructive disease affecting Maize cultivation, leading to substantial losses. Characterized by a soft, wet rot of stems, it hampers plant growth and crop productivity. The disease emerges due to fungal pathogens and is favored by moist, humid conditions.

Whole leaf withering

Whole leaf withering is a devastating disease that affects Maize, causing extensive damage and reducing crop yield. The disease is fueled by certain pathogens and environmental factors, manifesting through symptoms like leaf curling and discoloration.

The 'Caterpillar' disease refers to damage from caterpillar infestations on Maize, leading to reduced crop yield and vitality. These pests primarily eat the leaves, affecting the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Fruit malformation

Fruit malformation is a prominent disease affecting Maize, leading to distorted grain shape and size, possibly reducing yield. It primarily attacks during kernel formation stage, caused by Fusarium spp., weather destroyers, and nutrient imbalance.

Aphids are common pests impacting Maize, causing nutrient loss and stunted growth. These small insects extract sap, weakening Maize and facilitating viral transmissions.

Learn More About the Maize

MainImg

A Comprehensive Guide to Maize

MainImg

How to Grow and Care for Maize