Maize Doctor provides a simple, stepwise method for identifying maize production problems, pests and diseases and suggests ways you can overcome your problems. Maize Doctor asks questions about your crop and gives you a series of choices. Once problems are diagnosed, the lists of possible solutions may help in identifying factors to include in experiments. Explore the links on the left side of the screen to begin your diagnosis.
The information presented here represents the collective knowledge of many experienced maize scientists. The diagnostic procedures are not intended to replace experimentation but rather to help improve problem identification. Readers are encouraged to interpret the guidelines presented here, taking into account the local conditions.
What information can you find in Maize Doctor and where is it?
- Getting started - in this area you will find a variety of information related to maize growth: typical symptoms, patterns of field damage, parts of the maize plant, description of growth stages, and yield and economic calculators.
- Field Sampling - find out how to look for field problems, what type of data to collect and how to collect it, and see sample field sheets for the various maize growth stages.
- Production problems - this area contains information sheets on common problems (such as lodging, plant distribution, etc.) both in a list format and as an identification key.
- Pests and diseases - this area contains information sheets on common pests and diseases(such as common smut, maize streak virus, grain borers, etc.) both in a list format and as an identification key.
- Measurement methods - find guidelines for measuring factors such as yield before harvest, soil depth, soil moisture, days until moisture stress, seed viability, and identifying soil textural class.
- Image galleries - a collection of images of plants affected by production problems, pests, and diseases.