title: Histopathological assessment of the infection of maize leaves by Fusarium graminearum, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides.
abstract: Young maize plants were inoculated on unfolded mature leaves and on folded immature leaves with Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium verticillioides suspensions. Infection and symptom development of disease on these asymptomatic mature leaves and immature leaves were then documented. Subcuticular infection was found by the three Fusarium species on both symptomatic and symptomless leaves. The three Fusarium species penetrated the stomata of immature leaves by the formation of appressoria-like structures, infection cushions or by direct penetration. Infection by the three species of Fusarium via stomata is reported here for the first time. The superficial hyphae and re-emerging hyphae of the three species produced conidia. The macroconidia of F. graminearum produced secondary macroconidia and F. proliferatum formed microconidia inside the leaf tissues that sporulated through stomata and trichomes. The infection of maize leaves by the three species of Fusarium and their sporulation may contribute inoculum to cob and kernel infection.
authors: Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Division Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Nussallee 9, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of An Giang, 18 Ung Van Khiem, An Giang, Viet Nam. Electronic address: thanhxuan.agu@gmail.com.
authors: Thi Thanh Xuan
authors: TT
authors: Nguyen
authors: Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Division Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Nussallee 9, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
authors: Heinz-Wilhelm
authors: HW
authors: Dehne
authors: Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Division Phytomedicine, University of Bonn, Nussallee 9, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
authors: Ulrike
authors: U
authors: Steiner
mesh_terms: D005670:Fusarium / Q000254:growth & development*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D025301:Hyphae / Q000254:growth & development; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000382:microbiology*; D054046:Plant Stomata / Q000382:microbiology; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000254:growth & development; D003313:Zea mays / Q000382:microbiology*
keywords: Foliage infection; Fusarium spp.; Penetration; Sporulation; Stomata; Symptom