Comparison of Methods for Inoculation of Ears and Stalks of Maize with Fusarium moniliforme. W. J. Drepper, Plant Pathologists, Centro International de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), Mexico. B. L. Renfro, Plant Pathologists, Centro International de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), Mexico. Plant Dis. 74:952-956. Accepted for publication 13 March 1990. Copyright 1990 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-74-0952.

Over four plantings from 1986 to 1988, several ear- and stalk-inoculation methods for Fusarium moniliforme were compared on maize (Zea mays). Significant differences were observed among methods in their effect on disease incidence and severity. For ear inoculations, shooting a BB pellet covered with inoculum into the ear or using a nail punch were the most effective methods. For stalk inoculations, shooting a BB pellet into the stem or the drill/toothpick method were the most effective. Ear and stalk rot severities were positively correlated with the diameter of the inoculation tool.