Stemocarpella macrospora and S. maydis may cause seed rot, seedling blight, stem and ear rot and leaf spot in corn. Normally these fungi are the main grain rot causal agent when ears are infected. The damage caused exclusively by Stenocarpella has not yet been determined. The pathogens are found in practically all maize-growing regions of Brazil. The major disease intensity occurs under corn monoculture, mainly in small farms and fields for seed production where corn is continuously cultivated. Corn debris and infected seed are the primary source of inoculum. The inoculum, consisting of conidia produced in plant debris, is disseminated at short distance by wind and rain splash. Long distance dissemination occurs by seeds. Plant infection may occur systemically with inoculum coming from seeds, as mycelium, and/or through direct penetration of leaf sheats, foliar blade, peduncle and ear husks, from spore deposition, germination and penetration. The optimal temperature for mycelial growth and conidial germination is between 23 and 28 ºC for both fungi. The main strategies to control these diseases are based on the elimination and/or reduction of primary inoculum, the use of healthy seed, seed treatment with fungicide of the benzimidazoles group and crop rotation. There is little information about disease resistance in commercial hybrids in Brazil. Balance of soil fertility and avoidance of high plant population may also help to reduce the infection.
macrospora leaf spot; diplodia stem rot; white ear rot; Zea mays
