Corn Virus Affecting Corn Plants (Maze Dwarf Mosaic)
In the United States, two major viruses - Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV) and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) - are responsible for the Maize Dwarf Mosaic of maize, a common disease affecting corn crops. These viruses can cause green and yellow mottling and striations on leaves, stunted growth, and in severe infections, lead to low or no yield and weakened plants susceptible to secondary diseases like root rot.
To combat these viruses, several management strategies are available. Planting disease-resistant corn varieties, especially if there is a history of mosaic viruses in the area, is one of the most effective methods. Controlling aphid populations, which transmit the virus, is also crucial in reducing virus spread. Weed management, particularly removing Johnsongrass and other potential virus hosts near cornfields, is essential to prevent overwintering of the virus in alternative hosts.
Routine seed testing for viruses such as MDMV and SCMV is available to ensure clean seed lots and prevent introduction via seed. Laboratory testing for the identification of MDMV is done through methods like ELISA, reverse-transcriptase Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electron microscopy, and bioassays.
In a bioassay, seven-day-old plants are used, and rub-inoculation is performed every other day for three times to observe symptoms of MDMV. Infected plants show mosaic patches of light and dark green color on leaves, as well as chlorosis, stunting, and short chlorotic spots or streaks.
MDMV overwinters mainly in rhizomes of Johnsongrass, while uredospores of corn rust (Puccinia sorghi) originating from infected plants can also transmit the disease. The corn leaf aphid (Ropalosiphum maidis) and the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) are common vectors of MDMV, and the virus is non-persistently transmitted by at least 15 aphid species.
Herbicide should be applied to eradicate Johnsongrass within and adjacent to maize fields early in the season. For more information on MDMV, useful references can be found at CIMMYT, University of Florida IFAS Extension Factsheet: SSAGR209, University of Illinois, Cornell University, and the provided website extension.cropsciences.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/corn/maize_dwarf_mosaic_virus.
By implementing these management strategies, farmers can reduce infection rates and mitigate yield losses caused by these viral diseases in the United States corn production.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness for crops, the science behind identifying and combating viruses like Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV) and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) is crucial, as these viruses can cause medical-conditions in corn plants, such as green and yellow mottling, stunted growth, and lowered yield, making them susceptible to other diseases.
- For maintaining the overall health of corn crops and increasing resistance to viral infections, farmers can implement various management strategies, including planting disease-resistant corn varieties, controlling aphid populations, managing weeds like Johnsongrass, and ensuring clean seed lots through routine seed testing.
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