J01MAL OF AfflETIAL RESEARCH 
Vol. XXIII Washington, D. C., February 17, 1923 No. 7 
PARASITIC FUNGI INTERNAL OF SEED CORN 1 
By Thomas F. Manns, Pathologist and Soil Bacteriologist , and J. F. Adams, Associate 
Pathologist , Department of Plant Pathology and Soil Bacteriology, University of 
Delaware 
The importance of root, stalk, and ear rot fungi in decreasing yields 
of corn has received considerable attention in recent years on the part 
of investigators. Results of investigations so far reported indicate 
more or less agreement in the various disease symptoms manifested. 
However, some difference of opinion exists concerning the importance 
of the causal organisms. The specific determination of the fungi has 
not been fully emphasized nor the method by which they are carried 
in the seed. 
The following report presents in part the results of our investigations 
in determining the species of fungi associated with corn rots. Our 
studies were initiated to ascertain the losses to the com crop and prev¬ 
alence of infection in Delaware and the importance of the seed in carry¬ 
ing infection. While our observations and studies have been confined 
principally to field com in this State, we feel that careful investigations 
will reveal the presence and importance of the same pathogenes in other 
States but varying somewhat in prevalence. 
A review of the literature covers the observations and investigations 
conducted in this country so far as we have been able to secure them. 
In this review only special mention is made of results bearing directly 
on seed infection, the fungi reported, and the method by which the fungi 
are carried in the seed. Because of the extensive observations reported 
on the root, seedling, and stalk infection it was deemed best to discuss 
this phase of the problem in a subsequent paper to be prepared by the 
writers. 
“Moldy com” no doubt was one of the first symptoms observed in 
connection with corn rot diseases. The presence of mold in com was 
early associated with forage poisoning and pellagra in this country, as 
well as in Europe. Starting with these early observations were studies 
which were later extended to include and establish the importance of 
the fungi which are now associated with the com rots. 
Sheldon (^p) 2 . described Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon, associated 
with moldy com and thought to be the cause of forage poisoning. He 
observed— 
the kernels where the pink mould was present were considerably broken at the ends 
and crumbly so that when shaken or struck on the table, the inside would fall out in 
1 Accepted for publication July 18, 1921* 
* Reference is made by number (italic) to "Literature cited,” p. 523-524. 
Journal of Agricultural Research, 
Washington, D. C. 
abn 
( 495 ) 
Vol. XXIII, No. 7 
Feb. 17, 1923 
Key No. Del.- 4 
