Cob and kernel infection by Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium moniliforme in inoculated, field-grown maize ears.

Significantly more pedicel than apical portions of transversely cut maize kernels were infected with Fusarium moniliforme. In contrast, Aspergillus flavus was detected more frequently in apical sections. In addition, A. flavus was isolated more frequently from the middle portions of inoculated kernels than from the pedicel end. Some ears (needle-inoculated with A. flavus) contained profuse fungal growth and sporulation on silk residues and kernel surfaces, but there was little penetration of uninjured kernels (.)