Diplodiasis causes a decrease in the germination rate of corn seeds by up to 37%.
As a result of infection with diplodiosis, embryos die in corn seeds, the seed germination energy decreases, and the growth rate of seedlings slows down. Diplodiasis causes a decrease in seed germination from 5 to 37%, writes The Ukrainian Farmer magazine.
According to Olga Bashinskaya, head of the department of phytosanitary examination and quality control of cereals (State Food Consumer Service), the affected grain becomes light (as a result of disruption of the structure of the kernel and endosperm), thereby reducing the yield.
A highly infested corn grain can lose up to 35% of its control weight. During the period of maize ripening, diplodiosis causes rotting of the stalks and ears, ”noted Olga Bashinskaya.
Rot interferes with the normal development of plants, reduces the leading functions of blood vessels, as a result of which the base of the stem is destroyed, its viability, which often leads to premature death of plants.
Head rot can lead to a decrease in grain quality, and contaminated grain can cause mycotoxicosis in animals that consume it.
Let us remind you that diplodiosis has not yet been found in the field in Ukraine, however, it is found every year in imported corn.