Resilient Maize: Innovation and sustainable management of stunting

Corn is the most widely produced cereal crop worldwide and is essential for global food security. This cereal represents a vital source of calories and nutrients for millions of people. Stunted growth disease or dwarfism in corn, caused by the spiroplasm Spiroplasma kunkelii (CSS), the phytoplasma Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris (MBSP), the maize fine streak virus (MRFV), and the maize stripe mosaic virus (MSMV), can reduce yields by 30% to 90% in endemic areas of the Americas. Its vector, Dalbulus maidis, is an American species currently distributed from the southern United States to central Argentina. Economic losses in Argentina have been recorded at up to US$2.5 billion, while in Colombia losses of up to 90% of yield have been reported. To date, molecular detection protocols and management strategies for both the vector and the disease are available; however, technological alternatives that reduce the environmental footprint and prevent the proliferation of the vector and its associated pathogens need to be validated and strengthened, in addition to strengthening the adoption of innovations, farmer networks, and technology transfer, integrating these efforts with an understanding of climate variability phenomena that favor the development of emerging biotic constraints. The project aims to reduce the incidence of corn stunting complex in producing regions of Colombia and Argentina, as well as its impact on other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, through: 1) assessing the distribution of D. maidis under climate change scenarios in corn-producing regions; 2) validating and promoting integrated management practices that reduce the environmental footprint and impact of the stunting complex; and 3) transferring the knowledge and technologies generated. This regional collaboration will contribute to food security and sustainable development in corn-producing areas in Colombia and Argentina, combining local knowledge with science and technology.