Brown Spot and Stalk Rot Diseases of Maize (Zea Mays) and Susceptibility of Two Varieties to Physoderma Maydis in Far North Cameroon

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely grown cereals in world. However, Cameroon, particularly Far North Region, yields remain low because diseases increasing due to farming practices and climate change. This work aimed characterize Brown Spot Stalk Rot corn evaluate susceptibility two maize varieties Physoderma maydis field conditions. Two varieties, CMS9015, CMS8704 were evaluated a randomized block design. Disease symptoms observed described using identification keys. Microscopic characteristics pathogens performed microscope. Incidence, severity, areas under disease curve progress (AUIPC AUSiPC) calculated. spot occurred 3 or 4 weeks after sowing (WAS) at growing stage variety first, stalk rot 7 WAS. appeared leaves characterized by oval yellowish spots leaf blade brownish midrid. infects stem nodes spots, leading broken stem. The incidence brown increased with time environmental conditions (rainfall). highest was recorded 53.06 % against 51.72 CMS9015. Severity respectively 54.40 47.12 severity almost identical both varieties. AUIPC PBS PSR higher CMS9015 than CMS 8704, 63 DAS. infect production, are susceptible P. maydis.