A study of Puccinia polysora Underwood in West Africa

Abstract

1. The incidence and extent of fungal diseases on Zea mays L. in West Africa are briefly described. 2. The terms of reference of the West African Maize Research Unit are given in relation to research on Puccinia polysora, a leaf rust of Zea mays. 3. In West Africa P. polysora is responsible for a major economic loss conservatively estimated as £5 - £7.5 million sterling per annum. 4. The various possible methods of introduction of P. polysora into West Africa are discussed and it is suggested that the fungus was introduced as viable uredospore's on un-husked ears of maize flown into West Africa from the Americas.