In maize crop, ear rot caused by fungi is one of the main responsible for quality and production losses, mainly because of the development of the so called discolored grains. The purpose of this study was to identify the mycoflora present in grains and kernels produced in different regions and climatic zones of Brazil during summer and winter harvest and relate the occurrence of fungi with such parameters. The identification of the fungi was done by the filter paper with freezing method. Two hundred grains/kernels for sample totaling 44 samples of discolored grains and 12 of kernels were analyzed. The tests were performed under a stereomicroscope and an optical microscope. The main fungi found in this survey, both in kernel and discolored grains were Penicillium sp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium sp. Cephalosporium sp. and Stenocarpella spp. Among the major pathogens, Fusarium spp. and Penicillium spp. were found in higher incidence in grains and kernels in both seasons. There were no significant differences between regions and climates in the summer season for Fusarium spp. and Penicillium sp. incidence. However, during the winter season there has been observed a higher incidence of Fusarium spp. in the region CO. Cladosporium sp. stood out among fungi especially during the winter season.
maize; discolored grain; fungi; climatic zone
