Recent advances in the population biology and management of maize foliar fungal pathogens Exserohilum turcicum , Cercospora zeina and Bipolaris maydis in Africa

• Published in: Frontiers in plant science Vol. 15; p. 1404483
• Main Authors: Nsibo, David L, Barnes, Irene, Berger, Dave K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 01-08-2024
• Subjects: Africa; Cochliobolus heterostrophus; maize; northern corn leaf blight; Plant Science; population biology; Setosphaeria turcica; population biology; northern corn leaf blight; Africa; grey leaf spot; Cochliobolus heterostrophus; Setosphaeria turcica; maize; turcicum leaf blight
• ISSN: 1664-462X; 1664-462X
• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1404483

Maize is the most widely cultivated and major security crop in sub-Saharan Africa. Three foliar diseases threaten maize production on the continent, namely northern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, and southern corn leaf blight. These are caused by the fungi
,
, and
, respectively. Yield losses of more than 10% can occur if these pathogens are diagnosed inaccurately or managed ineffectively. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the population biology and management of the three pathogens, which are present in Africa and thrive under similar environmental conditions during a single growing season. To effectively manage these pathogens, there is an increasing adoption of breeding for resistance at the small-scale level combined with cultural practices. Fungicide usage in African cropping systems is limited due to high costs and avoidance of chemical control. Currently, there is limited knowledge available on the population biology and genetics of these pathogens in Africa. The evolutionary potential of these pathogens to overcome host resistance has not been fully established. There is a need to conduct large-scale sampling of isolates to study their diversity and trace their migration patterns across the continent.