Chemical and genetic control of Stenocarpella sp. and Fusarium sp. in maize

Abstract

The complex of phytopathogenic agents that cause ear rot in maize (mainly Fusarium spp. and Stenocarpella spp.) accounts for quantitative (weight) and qualitative (mycotoxins) losses. Therefore, a management protocol for maize ear rot was established in this study, based on chemical and genetic control. To this end, the response of 23 maize hybrids to four phytosanitary managements was studied: (I) picoxystrobin + cyproconazole (0.35 L ha-1) + mineral oil (0.5 L ha-1) + carbendazim (1.0 L ha-1) at VT; (II) pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole (0.3 L ha-1) in (V8) with picoxystrobin + cyproconazole (0.35 L ha-1) + mineral oil (0.5 L ha-1) + carbendazim (1.0 L ha-1) at VT; (III) Pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole (0.3 L ha-1) + mineral oil (0.3 L ha-1 at V8 picoxystrobin + cyproconazole (0.35 L ha-1) + mineral oil (0.5 L ha-1) + carbendazim (1.0 L ha-1) at VT and at VT + 12 days with azoxystrobin+ cyproconazole (0.3 L ha-1) + mineral oil (0.5 L ha-1) + carbendazim (1.0 L ha-1), and (IV) a negative control. Severity and incidence of Stenocarpella sp. and Fusarium sp. were more effectively controlled by genetic management. Chemical control was ineffective for either disease agent. Further studies on new genotypes and more molecules to control these phytopathogens are recommended.