PATHOGEN RISK ANALYSIS OF MAIZE IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

A field survey was conducted in 20 major maize growing districts of Bangladesh for pathogen risk analysis of maize and listing of quarantine diseases in 2012 by the Department of Plant Pathology under Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University through a project of QSSP, DAE. Pre-designed questionnaire was used in recording data of maize diseases based on the opinion of farmers and policy level officers of DAE under studied areas. Focus group discussion was arranged in each district and opinion of the respondents about maize diseases were recorded. Total 100 seed samples were collected throughout the country. Significant seed borne pathogens viz. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Fusarium moniliforme and Xanthomonas sp. have been detected through seed health testing. Altogether 30 maize diseases of which 23 fungal, 2 bacterial, 3 viral and 2 nemic diseases have been identified as maize diseases of Bangladesh. Maize diseases of exporting countries were documented and a list of pathogens prepared to conduct pathogen risk analysis of Bangladesh. Pathogen risk analysis was done following the guideline of ISPM-2, ISPM-11 and ISPM-21 constituted by FAO. A total sixteen pathogens were identified on maize grain from the maize exporting countries which have quarantine risk to Bangladesh agriculture and ten pathogens viz. Peronosclerospora sorghi, Cercospora zeae-maydis, Maize dwarf mosaic potyvirus, High Plains virus, Wheat streak mosaic rymovirus, Sclerospora graminicola, Phymatotrichopsis omnivore, Maize chlorotic mottle machlomovirus, Pantoea stewartii subsp. Stewartii, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis were found as highly quarantine concern for maize farming in Bangladesh.