Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Maize Fusarium kernel rot (224)

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Photo 1. Pinkish-white cottony (sometimes powdery) growth of Fusarium moniliforme, on ears of maize, rotting the gain.

Photo 2. Close-up of Photo 1, showing the powdery growth of Fusarium moniliforme on maize grains. The powdery nature of the rot is probably due to spores of the fungus.

Photo 3. Irregular spots and blotches of Fusarium moniliforme on the sheath of  maize.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. On maize, banana, pineapple, sorghum, rice (“bakanae” disease), sugarcane, and many more. An important disease.
• Fungus develops in storage on cobs that have not been dried properly. Grey or pinkish-white growth covers the kernels. The grains become reddish-brown. Serious human and animal toxins develop affecting horses (damage to liver and nervous systems) and humans.
• Spread of the spores is by wind and seed. 
• Cultural control: tolerant varieties; adequate nutrition, and if possible irrigate during dry weather; control insect damage; harvest when mature and dry to 15% for cobs, and 13-15% for seed. Hygiene in storage: clean bins, and protect from insects.
• Chemical control: use carboxin and thiram together.

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Common Name

Kernel rot, bakanae disease of rice

Scientific Name

Gibberella fujikuroi; previously Gibberella moniliforme. Known more commonly by the asexual state, Fusarium moniliforme. There are several strains of the fungus, and many names. Previously Gibberella fujikuroi and Gibberella fujikuroi var. subglutinans were considered distinct, but in the CABI database they are recorded under one name: Gibberella fujikuroi.

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