Stenocarpella maydis

Stenocarpella maydis (Berk.) Sutton (syns. Diplodia maydis (Berk.) Sacc. and D. zeae (Schwein.) Lév.) is a plant pathogenic fungus and causal organism of diplodia ear and stalk rot. Corn (Zea mays) and canes (Arundinaria sp.) are the only known hosts to date. No teleomorph of the fungus is known.

Stenocarpella maydis can significantly reduce yield or grain quality (see – Symptoms and Signs) as there is a decrease on kernel size, and lower test weight. If infection occurs early, some ears may not produce harvestable grain or seed vigor can be compromised. Delayed harvest and wet weather before harvest can allow fungal growth to continue, further reducing grain marketability. Further, some animals may reject contaminated corn-based feed. Stenocarpella rot has the potential to affect distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) composition, but not ethanol yield on an equivalent weight basis. Although not common, when the conditions are conducive, this organism can produce mycotoxins (see – Importance), toxic compounds to mammals.