Fungal Associations in Corn Kernels and Effects on Germination

Abstract

Fusarium moniliforme was negatively correlated with both F. graminearum and F. subglutinans in kernels in a 2-yr study of naturally infected kernels of 10 corn cultivars at eight locations in South Africa. Environmental effects accounted for these significant correlations. No significant correlations occurred in the incidence of pathogens within corn samples. The most significant associations were recorded by examining the mycology of individual kernels, the most prominent being negative between F. moniliforme and Diplodia maydis, but negative associations were also found between D. maydis and D. macrospora and between F. moniliforme and F. graminearum. This is the first report of significant negative association between F. moniliforme and D. maydis. Seed germination was negatively associated with Diplodia spp., whereas there was relatively little influence on germination by Fusarium spp. and other fungi tested.