Thirty-five Kabatiella zeae isolates from different corn genetic materials were used to evaluate their morphological characteristics and mycelial growth. The following culture media were used: PSA (potato, sucrose, and agar), MA (malt and agar), OA (oat and agar) and CA (corn meal and agar). Disks (5 mm diameter) were removed from the margins of colonies grown on PSA medium for 10 days and placed at the center of dishes containing the corresponding culture media. The dishes were incubated at 24°C and a 12-hour photoperiod for 10 days. The morphological characteristics of the isolates as well as colony characteristics were evaluated in PSA, while mycelial growth was evaluated in the four media. All isolates showed variability in relation to the culture media. Spore size ranged from 3-4 × 27-33 μm in width and length, respectively. Eighty percent of the isolates had a light (pink) color and a coriaceous and wrinkled aspect; the highest mycelial growth was observed in the PSA medium.
Zea mays; corn; eyespot
