FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRESENCE OF EAR PROLIFICACY (MANITA) IN MAIZE

Abstract

Considering the scarce information about the causes and factors influencing the expression of the sympthom called Manita, ear prolification at one single node in maize (Zea mays L.) plants, three experiments were established to study the effect of plant density and of systemic fungicides on the incidence of this problem. The highest incidence occurred in plants derived from seeds collected of infected ears, particularly when plant density was low. There was no significant influence of systemic fungicides on the Manita incidence. These results suggest that the causal agent might be transmitted through seeds, possibly as a genetic factor or some microbial agent rather than by a fungus such as Fusarium.