The Effects on Maize Yield Loss of Blister Smut Disease Caused by Ustilago maydis: A Case Study from Azerbaijan
The Effects on Maize Yield Loss of Blister Smut Disease Caused by Ustilago maydis: A Case Study from Azerbaijan
Gunel Arzuman Ramazanova1, Gulnara Fakhreddin Abbasova2*, Khalsa Ibrahim Nasibova3 and Sait Engindeniz4
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this study, conducted in the Goranboy district of Azerbaijan in 2022 and 2023, was to determine the effect of blister smut disease on yield loss in maize (Zea mays L.). In the maize field tests, local varieties of maize, Gurur, Umid and Fakhri were used as plant material. In order to infect healthy plants, samples infected with blister smut disease collected from the maize cultivated areas of the Garadagli village and brought to the Plant Diseases Diagnostics of Azerbaijan State Agrarian University, transferred to artificial nutrient medium and multiplied. In the study, the intensity of spread of the disease, disease severity index and yield losses were determined according to years and varieties. In addition, income losses caused by yield losses were also analysed. According to results of the study, the highest yield loss rate in 2022 and 2023 occurred in the Umid variety (69.55% and 78.03%). The average yield loss of three varieties in 2022 was calculated as 43.19%, and the average yield loss of three varieties in 2023 was calculated as 60.08%. The average income loss was 64.07% in 2022 and 90.99% in 2023. Maize must be returned to the previous planting area after 3-4 years to ensure biological cleansing of the soil from blister smut and many other contaminants. However, if the development of blister smut disease exceeds 30% of the total area, maize should be planted 5-6 years later in the previous planting area.
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