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Kernel Infection, Seedling Blight, and Wilt of Maize Caused by Colletotrichum graminicola. H. L. Warren, Research Plant Pathologist, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907; R. L. Nicholson, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907. Phytopathology 65:620-623. Accepted for publication 10 January 1975. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-65-620.

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum graminicola was observed on corn kernels. In field soil in the greenhouse, kernels of corn severely infected with C. graminicola had the highest disease severity index and lowest seedling dry weight. In the field, seedling emergence was severely affected. Six percent of the seedlings emerged from extensively damaged kernels, 37% from kernels with few infection sites, and 90% from healthy kernels. Seed lots containing kernels lightly infected with C. graminicola were treated with nine fungicides or combinations thereof. Seedling stand was best, and the disease severity index was least, when kernels were treated with Terra-Coat L-205.