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By Bahle Gama
A newly emerging maize disease, Goss’s Bacterial Wilt and Leaf Blight, has been detected in South Africa, sparking concerns among farmers and agricultural experts. The disease, which can significantly reduce maize yields, poses a serious threat to the country and the entire region’s maize industry.
Goss’s wilt is caused by the bacterial pathogen that overwinters in infested corn debris near the soil surface. The pathogen can be seed-transmitted at very low levels.
Leaf blight is a common plant disease that causes leaves to turn brown and dry out. It can affect a variety of plants, including almonds, carrots, corn, and grass.
First identified in Nebraska, USA, in 1969, Goss’s Wilt has gradually spread across key maize-producing regions worldwide. According to a fact sheet by Drs. Rikus Kloppers and Scott Heuchlin, the disease was confirmed in South Africa’s Northwest province during the 2024 season, with additional cases reported in the Eastern Highveld.
Experts believe it may have been present for several seasons but remained undetected due to its similarities with other plant stress conditions.
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According to Pannar Seed (Pty) Ltd, the disease is caused by the bacterium Clavibacter nebraskensis and is known for its devastating impact on maize yields. In susceptible maize varieties, yield losses can reach up to 50 per cent, especially when combined with hail or wind damage.
In the U.S., it ranks among the top three most destructive maize diseases annually, affecting plant vigour, grain quality, and overall productivity. Fields with infected crop residues from previous seasons are particularly vulnerable, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Recognizing the threat posed by Goss’s Wilt, Pannar a leading seed supplier in Africa, has developed maize hybrids with enhanced resistance to the disease. These hybrids provide farmers with a reliable solution to protect their crops and optimize yields, even in high-risk areas.
Leveraging advanced breeding techniques and decades of research, Pannar’s hybrids are designed to withstand bacterial infections, ensuring stronger plant vigour, improved grain quality, and resilience against environmental stressors.
Some of these hybrids will be showcased at the company’s Crop Extravaganzas in Val, Kroonstad, Biesiesvlei, and Greytown, South Africa, running from February to March 2025.
Pannar Lead Agronomist De Bruyn Myburgh said the supplier’s approach combines cutting-edge science with a deep understanding of local farming conditions.
“Selecting the right hybrid package is one of the most crucial and challenging decisions for farmers. At Pannar, we work closely with them to ensure confidence in their choices.”
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Goss’s Wilt manifests in two phases: systemic wilt and foliar blight. Symptoms include elongated, water-soaked lesions on leaves with distinctive dark freckles and a sticky bacterial exudate that dries into a varnish-like residue.
evere infections cause premature leaf death, reducing photosynthesis and weakening plant structures, leading to lodging and harvest losses.
Because it closely resembles other maize infections like Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Bacterial Leaf Streak, accurate diagnosis requires laboratory testing and expert consultation to distinguish it from environmental stress conditions such as sunburn or drought effects.
Pannar Hybrid Seeds recommends an integrated approach to managing Goss’s Wilt, combining genetic resistance with best agricultural practices, including:
