Leaf blight of maize management with its symptoms

Pathogen of Leaf blight of maize 

Helminthosporium turcicum pass.

Systematic position

Class- Deuteruomycetes
Order- Moniliales
Family-Dematiaceae

Distribution of Leaf blight of maize

The disease is quite common in many parts of India. It was first described in Italy   in 1876 and since then has been recorded from the United states, South Africa, Japan and the   Philippines and most maize growing countries.

Symptoms of Leaf blight of maize 

The symptoms appear as small, yellowish, round or oval spots on the leaves. These extends along the leaf and coalesce into longitudinal bands, which may cover a great part of the leaf. The affected tissue gradually become dark in coloured and are being covered in moist   weather with velvety dark- green patches due to the fructification of the fungus. Ultimately   leaves are dried up and have a blighted appearence. The plants remain stunted and the ears   poorly developed.

Recurrence of disease

The disease survives on plant debris in the soil.

Leaf blight of maize management/Control measure   

Chemical method: The leaf blight on maize effectively be controlled by spraying either Captan  or zineb.  Sanitation and crop rotation should be practiced.