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Rusts in maize

Photograph of Common rust in maize

Common rust in maize

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Rusts in maize

Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) is commonly found in temperate and subtropical regions. Usually only found on lower leaves of resistant hybrids. Tends to be more serious on sweetcorn. Cool-warm, humid weather favours disease infection and development. Pustules are oval to elongate on the leaf with a mass of red-brown powdery spores. These sometimes turn black late in the season. Plant resistant hybrids as chemical control is not usually economic.

Polysora rust or tropical rust or southern corn rust (Puccinia polysora) is an important disease in tropical areas. Warm, wet weather favours infection and disease development. Drizzly rain or even heavy dews allow disease formation. Pustules are small circular and orange in colour. They are evenly spread over the leaf surface. Pustules on the midribs, ear husks and tassels may be elongated or irregular in shape. With  heavy infections, leaves may die prematurely, and defoliate from the base up. Plant resistant hybrids as chemical control is not economic.

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