Maize Cob-Rot

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18179, 29 August 1933, Page 8

Maize Cob-Rot

niSTRICT officers of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture, have been advised by the fields superintendent, Mr. W. McCullough, of the prevalence of cob-rot in tho Bay of Plenty maize fields during the season just closed, and in view of the importance of the maize-growing industry to many farmers of the Poverty Bay flats, the following communication from Mr. McCullough to local officers should be of general interest:—

“It appears that cob-rot. in maize (fusariuiu moniioforme) has become prevalent in the Buy of Plenty district, and 1 should be glad if during the course of your travels in the G isborne district, you will make inquiries and later report as to Whether it has been noticed there. “The disease atttacks the young seedlings, when they are the height of two or three inches and kills them, and this is often the cause of gaps in the crop. It 1 also appears when the cobs arc forming, turning them either pink or black, and is generally detected on one side of the cob and causes iiialformation. The field mycologist has perfected a remedy for the disease, consisting of a hot-water treatment Iliht can be used by anyone.”

Information in regard to suspected infections,With this disease should be conveyed to Mr M. A. Black, M.A., of the Gisborne office of the department, who hopes to secure immediately the details of treatment advised by the Government mycologist.