Physoderma Brown Spot of Corn
Published: 03/19/2019
Physoderma brown spot is caused by the fungus Physoderma maydis. Symptoms of Physoderma brown spot usually appear on mid-canopy leaves. Leaf lesions are numerous, very small (approximately ¼ inch in diameter), round to oval, yellowish to brown in color, and usually occur in broad bands across the leaf. Alternating bands of infected and noninfected tissues are common. Dark purplish to black oval spots also occur on the midrib of the leaf. Symptoms also may occur on the stalk, leaf sheath, and husks.
Physoderma brown spot is more prevalent in wet growing seasons. Infection requires a combination of light, free water, and warm temperatures (75-85°F). Leaf infection occurs in the whorl when water is present for an extended time.
Hybrids vary in their susceptibility to the disease, and crop rotation and tillage reduce survival of inoculum. Foliar fungicides labeled for Physoderma brown spot are available.
Physoderma brown spot leaf symptoms.
Image: D. Mueller
Physoderma brown spot lesions appearing in "bands" across the leaf surface.
Image: D. Mueller
Physoderma brown spot symptoms also may occur on the stalk, leaf sheath, and husks.
Alternating bands of infected and noninfected tissues are common with Physoderma brown spot.
Physoderma brown spot leaf symptoms.
Physoderma brown spot lesions appearing in 'bands' across the leaf surface.
Alternating bands of infected and noninfected tissues are common with Physoderma brown spot.
Physoderma brown spot symptoms also may occur on the stalk, leaf sheath, and husks.
Dark spots occur on the midrib of leaves showing symptoms of Physoderma brown spot.
Dark spots occur on the midrib of leaves showing symptoms of Physoderma brown spot.
Physoderma brown spot leaf symptoms.
Physoderma brown spot lesions appearing in 'bands' across the leaf surface.
Gallery Images: B. Kleinke, A. Sisson, A. Robertson, and D. Mueller
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