Grow Your Healthiest Crop Ever

Christin English, Media Officer and Stephanie Tweer, Plant Pathologist: PANNAR

There is little more appealing to a maize producer than row upon row of lush, green, healthy plants. PANNAR Plant Pathologists Dr Rikus Kloppers and Ms Stephanie Tweer have compiled a manual to assist producers in achieving just that.

The maize plant is susceptible to many diseases that affect both the yield and quality of the crop. The PANNAR Maize Disease Manual is intended to assist with the identification, differentiation and control of the principal diseases and disorders of maize in South Africa. Most diseases covered were selected on the basis of their potential for economic damage.

This publication is aimed at agricultural technicians and maize producers. “It is not meant to be the definitive resource on maize diseases,” says Dr Kloppers, “but a handy reference that provides informative coverage of important leaf, stalk, ear and tassel diseases as well as an outline of common physiological disorders.” This manual has a very strong emphasis on Southern Africa and reference is often made to local experiences over the last decade working on maize diseases.

With the frequent discovery of new diseases, this manual is designed as a ‘living document’ to which new disease or physiological disorder fact sheets can be added. Current fact sheets will also be updated with relevant information with regard to control strategies, hybrid/cultivar resistance and chemical recommendations where applicable. Producers are therefore also encouraged to share their experiences of diseases, both common and rare, so that this information can be included in updated versions.

The individual disease fact sheets (see below) are written in an understandable and engaging style with the avoidance of highly technical theoretical jargon. The information is laid out in concise and organised manner with colour photographs of diseased plants included as an aid to visual identification. All PANNAR agronomists and sales representatives are equipped with this valuable tool and are eager to assist in the success of your maize crop by sharing this information. An electronic version of this manual is available in English here. 

Similar manuals are currently being compiled for other crops, including wheat, sunflower, soybeans, dry beans and grain sorghum. This manual will also be made available in Afrikaans.