Fusarium Stalk Rot: A Biotic Stress Factor Decisive for Maize Stalk Strength

Maize stalk strength is determined by two main factors: the mechanical structure of the stalk and a biotic stress factor, fusarium stalk rot. The degree of infection of three hybrids and their parental lines to fusarium stalk rot was tested by artificial inoculation with two Fusarium isolates (FG36, FGH4) over three years (2006-2008). The greatest level of infection was recorded in 2007, and FGH4 proved to be the more pathogenic isolate. When testing for resistance to fusarium stalk rot it is not sufficient to observe only natural infection levels, but testing with a single Fusarium isolate may be enough, if it is wisely chosen. The resistance level of the female parent is probably decisive in the inheritance of fusarium stalk rot resistance.