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Maize - dwarf mosaic virus

Photograph of Dwarf mosiac virus in maize

Dwarf mosaic virus in maize

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Maize dwarf mosaic (Johnson grass mosaic virus) is a disease of temperate and subtropical areas. It can be a serious problem in south Queensland. Many maize hybrids have good resistance but sweetcorn varieties, especially supersweet types, are highly susceptible if planted late in the season.

Light and dark green patches form on the leaves, showing a mosaic effect. They can also develop in ring-spot patterns. Severely affected plants can be completely yellow, reduced in size and suffer considerable yield reduction. The disease is spread by aphids and uses Johnson grass and standover or regrowth of forage and grain sorghum crops as hosts between seasons.

Planting resistant cultivars is the primary management method for this disease. Also control Johnson grass infestations. Once plants are infected, there is no cure.

URL: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/26_4671_ENA_HTML.htm

© The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 1995 - 2009.
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