Progress on Pathogenic Mechanism and Control Technology of Maize Stalk Rot Pathogen

Maize stalk rot is an infectious disease triggered by pathogenic fungi. It emerges in 15 provinces and regions as well as five major maize-producing areas in China. Maize stalk rot has also been documented in Europe, America and Southeast Asia, with its prevalence on the rise. Maize stalk rot can lead to a reduction of approximately 10% in maize yield, and over 50% in severe cases. Based on the research findings of maize stalk rot both at home and abroad, this paper summarizes the research status regarding pathogen species, infection mode, pathogenic mechanism, and prevention and control technology of maize stalk rot. The pathogens of maize stalk rot can be classified into 8 types, namely, Gibberella stalk rot, Fusarium stalk rot, Pythium stalk rot, Anthracnose stalk rot, Charcoal stalk rot, Botryodiplodia stalk rot, Diplodia stalk rot and bacterial stalk rot. The main pathogens of maize stalk rot in China are Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium proliferatum, and Pythium sp.. There are variations in the dominant pathogens in different maize planting areas. The primary mode of infection of the pathogenic fungus mycelium is to penetrate the internodes of the corn stalk via wounds or natural pores. Its pathogenic mechanism involves the pathogen secreting a series of virulence factors, such as toxins and cell wall-degrading enzymes, which can damage the cell wall of the host plant. Thus, pathogenic fungi can successfully invade the host cells and multiply in large quantities, destroying the host plant tissues and leading to the decay and necrosis of the inner stem and medulla of maize, and eventually causing the entire plant to break or wilt. Additionally, the comprehensive prevention and control techniques of maize stalk rot both at home and abroad were described, including breeding resistant varieties, chemical control, field agricultural management, biocontrol bacteria and biological control, etc. Currently, the prevention and control of maize stalk rot remains challenging. It is necessary to adhere to the plant protection policy of "prevention first, comprehensive prevention and control", strengthen the monitoring of maize stalk rot pathogens, continuously and systematically study the pathogenic mechanism of the pathogens, enhance biological control technology, develop emergency control products with high efficiency, low toxicity and low residue pesticides, and actively conduct research on the ecological planting mode to ensure the safe and efficient production of corn.