ROOT AND STALK ROT OF CORN IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO: III. SUGAR LEVELS AS A MEASURE OF PLANT VIGOR AND RESISTANCE

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Abstract
Chemical analysis of corn plant tissues showed that high levels of soluble sugars in the pith at physiological maturity are associated with resistance to root and stalk rot. A hybrid resistant to the disease had a higher sugar content than a susceptible hybrid when grown under recommended cultural practices. Treatments which predisposed plants to stalk rot, namely, high population densities and late defoliation, caused a reduction in sugars. Treatments which increased resistance, namely, prevention of kernel development and low population densities, resulted in maintenance or increase of sugars in the pith. The relation of these findings to stress and stalk rot incidence is discussed.

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