Identification of Maize Downy Mildew Pathogen in Lampung and the Effects of Varieties and Metalaxyl on Disease Incidence

Introduction: Maize downy mildew (MDM) is considered as a major problem in all maize growing areas in Indonesia including the Province of Lampung. Objectives: The objectives of this study were (i) to identify the species of Peronosclerospora causing maize downy mildew (MDM) in Lampung, (ii) to determine the influence of varieties on the intensity of downy mildew and (iii) to determine the efficacy of metalaxyl to control MDM on some maize varieties. Methodology: To identify Peronosclerospora causing MDM, the pathogens were observed under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Maize varieties response against pathogens and efficacy metalaxyl were studied in the field with the test plants exposed to plants showing MDM symptoms as the sources of inocula to mimic natural conditions. Results: Peronosclerospora sorghi, P. maydis, and P. philippinensis were found to cause MDM in Lampung. On both varieties Pioneer 27 (P-27) and NK-22, AUDPC on F1 plants was greater than that on F2 plants. On P-27, the production of F2 was higher than that of F1 plants, but there was not significant difference in production between F1 and F2 of NK-22 variety. Seed treatment using metalaxyl was not effective to control downy mildew of maize. Conclusion: Three species of Peronosclerospora were identified as disease-causing pathogen of MDM in Lampung, but these results were tentatively pending for further studies through molecular techniques. F1 plants were more susceptible than F2 plants to MDM in both P-27 and NK-22. Metalaxyl was not effective in controlling MDM.