DISEASES

DISEASES

Gray Leaf Spot (Chiwawu)

Effects

• Affects lower leaves moving upwards

• Affects the whole plant giving it a scorched appearance hence called chiwawu

Control

• GAP (early land prepration, early planting, burying all diseased plants)

• Ensuring all crop residues are fully decomposed before planting

• Crop rotation with non-cereal crops

• Burning severely attacked plants

• Planting resistant varieties

Root rot

Effects

• Attacks plant roots result into lodging.

Control

• Resistant variety

• Use of certified seed

Cob rot

Effects

• Attacks maize cob

Control

• Planting tolerant varieties with good tip cover

• Timely harvesting

• Proper drying of grains before storage

Downy mildew

Effects

• Stuntedness

• Sterility of the plants

• Yellowing and striping of leaves

Control

• Rouging and destruction by burning of infected plants

• Avoid monocropping

• Early planting

• Use of certified seed

Rust

Effects

• Attack every part of the plant

Control

• Use of resistant varieties

• Crop rotation.

Turcicum Leaf blight

Effects

• Attacks young plants

• Occurs late in the season when maize is almost mature

Control

• Use of certified seeds

• Growing tolerant varieties

• Spray of fungicides.

Smut

Effects

• Stunting

• Distorted leaves

• Excessive branching

Control

• Use of disease free planting materials.

• Field sanitation

• Certified seed

Consult the extension staff on the recommended chemicals and on how to apply the chemicals.