Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.P009
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, P009 (2023)
The prevalence of pests and pathogens affecting maize in north-eastern Poland
Weronika Giedrojć1*
1 Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawocheńskiego 17, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
* Corresponding author: weronika.giedrojc@uwm.edu.pl
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) is a thermophilic crop, one of the world’s leading cereal species, and one of the most important food crops cultivated in Poland. In Poland, maize occupies an estimated area of 1.7 million hectares, and it is grown mainly for grain, herbage, and feed. Ever since it was domesticated around 9000 years ago, maize has played an increasingly important and diverse role in global agri-food systems. Maize is processed in the food industry (starch, flour, grits, vegetable), the energy sector, fermentation industries (yeast, ethanol for the production of fuel and alcoholic beverages), and the paper industry. This crop species constitutes a basal diet fed to ruminants. Pests and pathogens colonizing maize plants significantly decrease yields. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of pests and diseases in maize cultivation. The study was conducted in an agricultural farm in north-eastern Poland. The health of maize stands was evaluated in the growing season of 2019. Pests such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), and birds (Aves) posed a serious threat for field-grown maize. Signs of pest infestation were observed in around 56% of maize plants in the field. Crop health was also negatively affected by diseases such as maize eyespot (Kabatiela zeae), leaf spot (Helminthosporium spp.), corn smut (Ustilago maydis), and Fusarium ear or cob rot of corn (Fusarium spp.). Symptoms of the above diseases were noted in 39.5%, 36.5%, 24.5%, and 8.5% of maize plants, respectively. Chemical and agrotechnical control methods were not effective in reducing the populations of maize pests and pathogens. Favorable weather conditions, intensive maize production, the steady increase in the area under maize cultivation, and simplified agronomic practices will contribute to the emergence of new pests and pathogens of maize. Maize stands should be regularly monitored to ensure that effective preventive and control methods are implemented before or immediately after the first signs of infection have been observed. Biological control methods should be also incorporated in cereal production to promote the achievement of European Green Deal objectives.
How to cite
W. Giedrojć, 2023. The prevalence of pests and pathogens affecting maize in north-eastern Poland. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.P009