Survey for the severity of turcicum leaf blight of maize in major maize growing regions of North Eastern Karnataka

Abstract

Northern corn leaf blight or turcicum leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard and Suggs is one of the important diseases affecting photosynthesis and yield. The survey results revealed that Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) or turcicum leaf blight (TLB) was widely distributed in almost all surveyed areas. Survey indicated that, the disease was noticed in all the maize growing areas of the North Eastern Karnataka in a low to severe form. The results revealed that, the highest disease severity was noticed in fields of Choornoor (40.00%), Kottur (38.00%) and Sovenahalli (34.00%) Villages of Ballari district. Least TLB severity was observed in Banapur (2.00%) of Ballari district. TLB was more prevalent in Ballari district due to the continuous cultivation of maize and also receiving good rainfall during August and September months.