Cercosporosis
Gray Spot
Cercospora Spp.
Pathogen:
Fungus
Type:
Risk to the plant:
HIGH
DESCRIPTION
WHO CAUSES IT?
Cercospora spp. is a genus of phytopathogenic fungi responsible for causing diseases in a wide variety of plants, including corn. These fungi produce conidia in conidiophores, specialized structures that emerge from foliar lesions under high humidity conditions. Conidia spread primarily through wind and water, infecting new plants. Once conidia land on a susceptible leaf, they germinate and penetrate the leaf cuticle via a germ tube and an appressorium, a specialized structure for penetration. The fungus grows intercellularly in the leaf tissue, absorbing nutrients and causing necrosis of surrounding cells. Initial infections can lead to the production of new spores, which are released and perpetuate the infection on new leaves and adjacent plants. The persistence of the pathogen in plant remains also plays a crucial role in its cycle, surviving in the form of mycelium or resistant reproductive structures during adverse periods, and resuming its activity when conditions are favorable.
SYMPTOMS
The disease caused by Cercospora spp. In corn it is known as gray spot, a foliar pathology that significantly affects crop yield. Infected leaves develop lesions that interfere with photosynthesis and normal plant development.
- Appearance of small, elongated gray to brown Taches.
- The Taches expand and merge, forming extensive necrotic areas.
- Chlorosis in affected leaves.
- Reduction in the photosynthetic capacity of the leaves.
- Withering and premature fall of severely affected leaves.
- General weakening of the plant.
- Decrease in the size and quality of the ears.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
25°C - 30°C
80% - 90%
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Wind, irrigation water, rain splashes, contaminated agricultural tools, crop residues, infected seeds
HOW TO REMOVE IT?
Home remedies
There are no home treatments
Chemical treatments
• AZOXISTROBIN 25% [SC] P/V
Authorized treatments in organic farming
-
Insect allies
PREDATORY MITES
LADYBUGS
LACEWINGS
PARASITIC WASPS
HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES
PREDATORY BUGS
There are no natural allies
Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE
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- Regularly monitor the crop for early detection of symptoms.
- Implement an adequate crop rotation to reduce the presence of inoculum in the soil.
- Use corn varieties resistant to Cercospora spp. whenever possible.
- Maintain an adequate planting density to allow good air circulation between the plants.
- Apply preventive and curative fungicides in a timely manner, following technical recommendations.
- Remove and destroy crop remains and plant residues after harvest to reduce the source of inoculum.
- Avoid sprinkler irrigation during critical periods, as it can favor the dispersal of spores.
- Practice integrated pest and disease management to reduce stress on plants and improve their natural resistance.
- Promote biodiversity in the fields to favor the presence of beneficial organisms that can antagonize Cercospora spp.
- Perform soil analysis and adjust fertilization practices to maintain a nutritional balance that promotes plant health.
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