PCR characterization of diplodiosis-causing <i>Stenocarpella</i> species from corn in Argentina

<i>Stenocarpella maydis</i> and <i>S. macrospora</i> are pathogenic fungi that cause <i>Diplodia</i> stalk rot and ear rot in maize. In Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia, <i>S. maydis</i> in feed causes neuromycotoxicosis in cattle and sheep. In Argentina, we analyzed corn samples from cattle feed without visible fungus and from corn fields in which animals had clinical signs of diplodiosis. <i>Stenocarpella</i> spp. were identified and characterized with conventional PCR. We did not detect <i>S. macrospora</i> in 6 samples; results in another sample were inconclusive. We identified <i>S. maydis</i> in the 5 corn samples consumed by animals that developed diplodiosis, suggesting that <i>S. maydis</i> may cause the disease in Argentina. Direct PCR testing of corn is an efficient method for the identification of <i>S. maydis</i> in feed. This testing could enable rapid decision-making in the field by predicting the onset of diplodiosis, thereby helping to prevent this mycotoxicosis.