Induced resistance to common rust (Puccinia sorghi), in maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

The common rust of maize (Zea mays L.), caused by Puccinia sorghi Schw., develops pustules on the leaves of maize plants, reducing the leaf area and production of the photoassimilates necessary for grain filling. The host possesses genes coding for different proteins related to the defense mechanisms that prevent the establishment of the pathogen. However, there are susceptible plants that are unable of preventing pathogen attack. This condition depend on biotic and abiotic factors known as inducers of resistance which are able of activating the physico-chemical or morphological defense processes to counteract the invasion of the pathogen. The Ceres XR21 maize hybrid is susceptible to P. sorghi. In this work, maize hybrid was evaluated under a split-split- plot design established in two spring-autumn cycles in the years 2016 and 2017, in which five commercial products of biological and chemical origin reported as inducers of resistance, plus a fungicide were compared. The results showed that trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole (Consist Max®), sprayed on the foliage with 1.5X the commercially recommended dose, showed significant better response in most evaluated variables, because it controlled better the pathogen P. sorghi and maize plants increased grain yield.