Application and standardization of various procedures for inoculation of maize by Erwinia carotovora f. sp. zeae.

Hypodermic syringe and toothpick methods were best for evaluating pathogenicity of the maize plant against Erwinia carotovora f. sp. zeae, both in glass house and in the field. The portion of the stalk above the ground was best suited for reproducing the disease symptoms. Leaf and leaf whorl did not show any rotting hero. Seed inoculation showed least mortality percentage. Root inoculation was suitable only for young seedlings. Cotyledons, as an organ for inoculation for getting best reproducible infection, were not at all suitable.