DISEASE OF CROP
EPISODE 4: MIAZE SMUT.
A disease is any alteration in the normal physiological
functions resulting in loss of coordination in the metabolic process of the
plant. It is recognized by morphological changes on diseased plant which is
called symptoms. Disease are usually
caused by pathogens which may be fungi, bacteria, viruses, or nematodes.
MAIZE SMUT is a disease caused by fungus known as; ustilago
maydis
Symptoms; The fungi hyphae replace the endosperm in the seed
which is larger than normal.
The hyphae disintegrate inside the seed, produce spores
which emerge and come out as black soot through the weakened seed coat.
Transmission
1)
It can be transmitted through the seed during
harvesting.
2)
It may be transmitted through the soil if after
harvesting infected maize, the debris is
not gather together and burnt.
3)
The spores carried in the air infect a plant
through the apical bud or the inflorescence.
Control measures;
1)
Plant healthy seed i.e. seeds free from smut
pores
2)
Treat seed with organo-mercurial fungicide e.g. thiram before planting.
3)
Maize for storage should be properly dried at a
temperature not exceeding 45c to avoid cracking the seed coat.
4)
Use of resistant seed and clean seed.
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