Maize Virus and Mycoplasma Diseases in Peru

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Abstract
Surveys of maize for virus and mycoplasma-like diseases were conducted in Peru in 1978 and 1980. The following pathogens were discovered and identified: aphid-borne maize dwarf mosaic virus, beetle-borne maize chlorotic mottle virus, Peregrinus maidis-borne maize mosaic and maize stripe viruses, and Dalbulus maidis-borne maize rayado fino virus, corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS) and maize bushy stunt mycoplasma (MBSM). Some of these insect-borne pathogens are important constraints to maize production in Peru. Maize chlorotic mottle in the department of Lima and Cajamarca and ‘puca poncho’, a disease caused by CSS and/or MBSM, in Ayacucho significantly limit maize yields. As a result of these surveys, we believe that the principal maize virus and mycoplasma-like diseases in Peru have been identified, an accomplishment unrealised in other Latin American countries at present.