ROT ON MAIZE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 260, 25 June 1932, Page 6

ROT ON MAIZE

DISEASE THE SUBJECT OF OFFICIAL RESEARCH. Root, cob, and stalk rot is the' most serious disease of maize in New South Wales, and is frequently responsible for severe losses. There are several parasifce fungi which may be responsible for diseases of this type. In one season the losses caused by this group were estimated at over 5 per cent., and in some parts the loss was greater than 10 per cent. of the potential yield. The injury caused by this disease is generally most rnarked in the roots and at the bottom of the stalk, which often completely rot away. In such cases the affected plants tend to lodge badly and in severe cases they break over and collapse. Another important phase of the trouble is the rotting of the cob and the development of mould on the grain. A discovery of considerable practical and scientific interest was recently made by Mx\ E. T. Edwards, assistant biologist, who found tlio perfect stagc of the disease on old maize stalks forwarded from Grafton experim'ental farm. This stage, which has never previously been recorded in this State, serves to carry the fungus over from season to season on the dead stalks left after harvasting the crop. The discovery stresses the importanee of thoroughly burning all the old stalks and other plant pai'ts remaining in" the field after harvesting. This method of control has been recommended by the department for many years and Mr. Edwards' research work demonstrates the soundness of the recommendations.