Fungus That Affects Maize

Aspergillus flavus

• Asperigillus flavus, also referred to as Kenyan death fungus, is a strain of fungus that affects maize in parts of Africa. The fungus produces toxins, called aflatoxins, that the corn absorbs. These toxins are known to be cancer-causing. People who ingest corn infected with asperigillus flavus can develop certain cancers, and even die. Asperogillus is known to affect crops other than maize, such as cottonseed, tree nuts and peanuts.

Gibberella moniliformis

• Gibberella moniliformis is a type of fungus that affects maize and causes what is referred to as ear and stalk rot. This fungus is often vertically transmitted, meaning that it infects the seed and then grows from the inside of the corn as the stalk develops. It can also be horizontally transmitted, meaning that it can spread from one adult plant to another one that is close by. Gibberella moniliformis produces toxins, called mycotoxins, which the plant absorbs. Mycotoxins can cause severe toxicosis if ingested by humans as well as liver and kidney damage.

Ustilago maydis

• Ustilago maydis is a fungus that affects maize and causes a disease known as "corn smut." This type of fungal infection can occur wherever maize crops are grown. Corn smut causes large grey galls, or growths, to appear on the corn leaves, stalks, and ears, which greatly reduces the crop yields. As the galls develop, they produce powdery dark-colored spores. The galls rupture, spreading the spores over the plant and rendering the corn inedible.

Fusarium verticillioides

• Fusarium verticillioides is a type of fungus that grows on maize crops and causes maize ear rot. This fungus produces toxins called fumonisins that can cause esophageal cancer and neural tube defects in humans if ingested. Fumonisins can also cause several diseases in animals, including cancer. This fungus causes the corn ear to shrivel and turn pale or white in color. The ears also appear rotted at the ends, with severe discoloration and withered stalks.