Molecular diversity of the maize pathogen Cercospora zeina in South Africa

Abstract

Cercospora zeina is the causal agent of a foliar disease of maize called grey leaf spot (GLS) in southern Africa (Meisel et al, 2009). Maize is the most important food crop in sub-Saharan Africa and the Americas. Consequently C. zeina is of great importance as a crop yield limiting pathogen and a threat to the future of food production (Latterell and Rossi, 1980; Meisel et al, 2009; Nowell et al, 1999; Nowell et al, 1998).