Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 93-105 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 93 Feature Review Open Access Integrated Approaches to Managing Fusariumand Other Fungal Pathogens in Maize Xiaoqing Tang Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: 1658149302@qq.com Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0010 Received: 18 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 31 Mar., 2024 Published: 25 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Tang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Tang X.Q., 2024, Integrated Approaches to managing Fusarium and other fungal pathogens in maize, Molecular Pathogens, 15(2): 93-105 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0010) Abstract As one of the world's most important food crops, the stability of corn yield and quality is crucial for ensuring global food security. However, diseases caused by Fusariumand other fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to corn production, leading to substantial yield losses and economic impacts. This study provides an overview of Fusariumand other common fungal pathogens of corn, symptom identification, life cycles, and epidemiological characteristics. It analyzes the multifaceted impacts of these fungal pathogens on corn yield, economy, health, and the environment. The study explores the importance of integrated management measures to effectively control corn fungal diseases through cultural and agronomic practices, biological control strategies, chemical control methods, and monitoring and early detection. By systematically analyzing the biological characteristics, epidemiology, and effects of Fusarium and other fungal pathogens on corn, the study proposes a set of scientific and effective integrated control strategies. These strategies not only help reduce disease losses in corn production, increase corn yield and quality, and ensure food security but also reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination, protect human and animal health, and decrease the use of chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural development. Keywords Maize; Fusarium; Fungal diseases; Mycotoxins; Control strategies 1 Introduction Maize (Zeamays L.) is one of the most important staple crops globally, serving as a primary source of food, feed, and industrial raw material. Its cultivation spans diverse agro-ecological zones, making it a critical component of food security and economic stability in many regions. However, maize production faces significant challenges, particularly from fungal pathogens that can severely impact yield and quality. Fungal pathogens are a major threat to maize production, with Fusariumspecies being among the most notorious. Fusarium verticillioides, for instance, is a common cause of ear and kernel rot in maize, leading to substantial yield losses and contamination with mycotoxins such as fumonisins (Nayaka et al., 2009; Madege et al., 2018; Naz et al., 2021). Other significant fungal pathogens include Fusarium graminearum, which causes Gibberella ear rot and produces harmful mycotoxins like deoxynivalenol and zearalenone (Magarini et al., 2023; Savignac et al., 2023). These pathogens not only reduce crop yield but also pose serious health risks to humans and animals consuming contaminated maize. Effective management of Fusariumand other fungal pathogens is crucial for ensuring the safety and productivity of maize crops. Mycotoxin contamination, in particular, has garnered considerable attention due to its association with various animal and human diseases (Nayaka et al., 2009; Guimarães et al., 2020). Integrated management strategies, including the use of resistant cultivars, chemical and biological control methods, and cultural practices, are essential to mitigate the impact of these pathogens (Munkvold, 2003; Salgado et al., 2014; Czarnecka et al., 2022). For instance, the application of insecticides has been shown to significantly reduce Fusariuminfection by minimizing insect damage, which often serves as an entry point for the fungi (Madege et al., 2018).
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