Maize Crop Solutions

Maize in the UK has seen a steady increase over the past few years

Read more about growing maize in the UK

Corn
Corn

Forage maize has traditionally been grown in the west of the UK, but with the increasing number of anaerobic digesters coming on stream there are now opportunities for growers in eastern counties to take advantage of the opportunities which growing this crop brings. Long-term contracts to supply maize to anaerobic digesters are on offer. Over the past few years the area of maize in the UK has seen a steady increase. The area increase is expected to continue as spring cropping will be more in demand.

Disease Control

The maize growing area has increased significantly in England over the last decade, and is now recognised within the agricultural industry as a key crop in the rotation.

Traditionally forage maize has been grown in the west of the UK, however with the increasing number of anaerobic digesters coming on stream country wide, growers in the Eastern counties have also had the opportunity to grow this crop in recent years.

With the area of maize production in England now approx. 175,000 ha, it is thought that the disease risk is set to increase as pathogens evolve and adapt.

In the UK there are currently five main diseases of interest: Eyespot, Fusarium, Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Common Rust and Smut.

  • Eyespot is no longer confined largely to the South West*.
  • Potentially a problem in all regions in wetter years.
  • Eyespot occurs most frequently in cool rainy seasons.
  • Germination requires at least 7 hours of continuous leaf wetness.
  • Disease spreads most rapidly 10-12 oC.
  • Causes characteristic spotting on the leaves of maize plants and in severe cases can cause defoliation.

*Source; ADAS survey 2013

  • Early lesions are grey-green and elliptical, beginning 1 to 2 weeks after infection.
  • Lesions become pale grey to tan as they enlarge to 1 to 6 inches or longer.
  • Distinct cigar-shaped lesions unrestricted by leaf veins make northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) one of the easiest diseases to identify.
  • Under moist conditions, lesions produce dark grey spores, usually on the lower leaf surface, giving the lesions a "dirty" appearance.
  • As many lesions enlarge and coalesce, entire leaves or leaf areas may be covered.
  • Heavy blighting and lesion coalescence give leaves a grey/burned appearance.

  • Rust very visible on some varieties in 2014.
  • Widespread occurrence, but a disease which only tends to occur to significant levels in about 1 in 7 years.

Fungicide Timing

  • Key period for disease control is mid-July to mid-September.
  • Fungicides best applied at or before the onset of disease.
  • Activity of pyraclostrobin (as in Comet 200 and Opera) lasts for 6-8 weeks after application.
  • Best results from 2 applications.
  • Apply either as soon as disease detected or as late as practically possible.

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