The influence of artificial inoculation on common smut occurrence [Ustilago maydis (DC) Corda].

摘要

Field studies were conducted in Zlotniki, Poland, in 2008, to determine the influence of inoculation with teliospores on common smut (Ustilago maydis [Ustilago zeae]) occurrence on maize. The treatments comprised inoculation of soil with teliospore suspension (1.0 g/litre of water) and using of seeds of 3 cultivars with or without seed dressing (Zaprawa Oxafun T 75 WS). The observations of plant infection was done in June, July and September. Stems and ears were assessed separately. At the beginning (June), the influence of seed dressing was observed. The percentage of infected plants was 0.47 on plots where seeds without seed dressings were used, while on plots with seed dressing, it was 0.26% and it concerns one cultivar only (Sweet Trophy). The influence of inoculation on plant infection was observed in June on inoculated plots. In July and September, the influence of inoculation was not significant. The percentage of infected plants in inoculated plots was 0.88 and 3.13 and 3.81 and 1.19 in non-inoculated plots, respectively.