Occurrence of maize (Zea mays L.) diseases caused by fungi on long-term monoculture fields in south-eastern Poland in 2010–2021

Abstract

The aim of the study was monitoring of the occurrence of fungal diseases of maize in south-eastern Poland. The observations were made in 2010–2021 in two fields conducted in a long-term monoculture in the Krzeczowice and Nienadówka. The health analyses were performer on the San (FAO 240) and Ronaldinio (FAO 260) maize varieties. The following maize diseases have been found: common smut of maize (Ustilago maydis), corn head smut (Sphacelotheca reiliana), eyespot (Kabatiela zeae), northern corn leaf spot (Helminthosporium spp.), common rust of maize (Puccinia sorghi), fusarium ear rot and fusarium stalk rot caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium. The most dangerous diseases are fusarium ear rot, fusarium stalk rot and common smut of maize. The most common fungal disease was eyespot. The appearance of these diseases was favored by some meteorological factors, such as hailstorm and pest feeding, especially frit fly, aphids, and European corn borer.