The relationship between source and sink interferes on maize (Zea mays) stalk rot occurrence. This study was conducted in Lages, SC, Brazil, to evaluate the effect of defoliation, plant population, and hybrids on the intensity (incidence or severity) of maize stalk rots. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design (three replications) with a split-split-plot arrangement. The hybrids P32R21 (very early), Premium (early) and C333B (late) were tested without defoliation and with 50% defoliation on ear formation stage at plant populations of 25,000, 50,000, 75,000, and 100,000 plants ha-1. The incidence and severity of Colletotrichum graminicola, Diplodia maydis and Fusarium moniliforme stalk rots were evaluated. The hybrid P32R21 was the most affected by stalk rots. Defoliation enhanced rots on P32R21 and Premium. Enhancements in plant population increased stalk rots intensity on intact plants but decreased rot occurrence when hybrids were defoliated.
Zea mays; Colletotrichum graminicola; Diplodia maydis; Fusarium moniliforme
