ABSTRACT
An important constraint for maize production in the tropics is the ubiquitous incidence of diseases at both pre- and post – flowering stages. Once a disease has been identified, its management depends on understanding its causes, the factors that favour disease development, which plant parts are affected and when the disease organisms are spread. Foliar diseases caused by the Basidiomycete fungi Rhizoctonia solani (Teliomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris). Typically, disease develops on the first and second leaf sheath the ground and eventually spreads to the ear causing ear rot. Fields should be well drained prior to planting. Seeds should be planted on raised beds to avoid water contact and promote faster development. The life cycle of P. sorghi involves two hosts (maize/teosinte and Oxalis species) and five spore stages (teliospores, basidiospores, spermatia, aeciospores and uredimospores). In tropical or subtropical regions urediospores can overwinter and serve as the primary source of inoculum in subsequent seasons.
