Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium spp.

Nature of damage

• Pythium stalk rot results in lodging of the plant.
• Plants are killed prematurely, leading to yield loss.
• Often infection occurs prior to tasseling.

Signs

• Usually the basal internodes become soft, water-soaked, and dark, causing lodging.
• Damaged internodes commonly twist before the plants lodge.
• Diseased plants can remain alive until all vascular bundles become affected.

Factors favoring development

• High temperatures (25-35°C).
• High crop density.
• High levels of nitrogen fertilizer.
• Poor water and air drainage.

Geographical distribution

• The disease is prevalent in some hot and humid tropical and subtropical zones and in some temperate areas.

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