Maize Gray Leaf SpotIdentification & Treatment Guide 2026
Cercospora zeae-maydis · Family: Mycosphaerellaceae
Maize gray leaf spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis) causes rectangular gray-tan lesions bounded by leaf veins on maize. It thrives in humid conditions with heavy dew. Manage with resistant hybrids, crop rotation, tillage to bury residue, and fungicide applications of azoxystrobin or propiconazole at tasseling if lesions exceed 5% of leaf area.
Scan This Plant NowQuick Diagnosis
highMaize Gray Leaf Spot
- Affects
- leavesleaf sheathshusks
- Peak Season
- Mid to late growing season, during prolonged humidity and temperatures 22-30°C
- Spread Risk
- Moderate
- Spread By
- Airborne conidia from infected crop debris, rain splash
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Symptoms: What does Maize Gray Leaf Spot look like?
Visual identification guide — tap each stage for details
Small tan to gray flecks on lower leaves
Tiny (1-3 mm) chlorotic or tan spots appear on lower leaves, initially appearing similar to other minor leaf spots.
Rectangular gray lesions between veins
Lesions enlarge into distinctive elongated rectangles (2-7 cm long) bounded by leaf veins. Lesions are gray-tan and may have a slight sheen from sporulation.
Leaf blight and premature senescence
Lesions coalesce, causing large areas of leaf blight. Premature senescence reduces photosynthetic area during grain fill, causing lightweight, poorly-filled ears.
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