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Maize > Rust disease
Why Do Maize Trees Get Rust Disease?
Maize, also known as Indian corn, Flint corn
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.

Symptom Analysis

The key symptoms in Maize include orange to yellowish-brown pustules predominantly on the leaf surfaces, reduced plant vigor, and significantly lowered yield. As the disease progresses, pustules darkens and eventually ruptures leaving dusty spores.
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What Causes Rust disease Disease on Maize?

Pathogen
Puccinia coronata, a fungus known for hosting several rust strains, is the primary cause for rust disease in Maize.
Environmental conditions
Moist, cool conditions and prolonged leaf wetness also contribute to disease development.
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How to Treat Rust disease Disease on Maize?

Non pesticide
Plant resistance: Growing resistant varieties of Maize is a practical way to manage rust disease.

Crop roation: Rotating the Maize with non-host crops reduces the soil-borne inoculum levels.
Pesticide
Fungicide application: Applying a fungicide registered for use against Puccinia coronata can help curb the infection. Start treatment at the first sign of the disease.

How to Prevent Rust disease on Maize?

Field hygiene
Maintaining field cleanliness by removing plant debris greatly reduces fungal spore sources.
Breeding programs
Developing varieties of Maize that have enhanced disease resistance is a key prevention method.
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When is Rust disease Most Active Period on Maize?

Rust disease is most active during the late growing season when temperatures are cool and humidity is high, providing ideal conditions for fungal spore germination and spread.

Infectivity

The disease spreads rapidly over short distances through airborne spores, resulting in large-scale infestations.

Lethality

Although not typically lethal, rust disease can cause severe yield reduction and quality loss in Maize.

FAQs on Maize

Should farmers be alarmed at the first sight of rust disease on Maize?
Yes, proactive steps should be taken as it is highly infectious and could lead to substantial yield loss.
How can the disease be controlled without using pesticides?
Crop rotation, practicing field hygiene, and growing disease-resistant varieties are effective non-pesticide control methods.
Can rust disease kill the Maize plant?
While not typically lethal, it can significantly reduce plant vigor and yield, damaging the Maize plant extensively.
Is rust disease common in Maize?
Yes, it is a common disease in Maize, particularly in conditions of high humidity and during late growth stages.
Can rust recurrence be prevented on Maize?
Yes, through regular field hygiene, crop rotation, and the use of disease-resistant varieties of Maize.
What kind of environment does rust disease prefer?
Rust disease prefers cooler climates with high humidity, particularly when combined with prolonged leaf wetness.
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