Two methods of kernel inoculator of maize ears with a macroconidial suspension of Fusarium graminearum .
Inoculator has four stainless steel pins attached to a cylindrical wooden handle.
The pins are dipped in the suspension before stabbing the centre of the ear through the husk and into 3-4 kernels, thus producing a point source of infection from which the fungus spreads. Each pin has two holes drilled on the sides to prevent plugging upon wounding. Penetration depth is adjustable. The pin spacing is designed to increase the chance of wounding four kernels when the inoculator is held such that the 7 mm spacing is horizontal. Prior to wounding, the pins are dipped in a conidial suspension.