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. The conidia are carried into the wounds with the pins or by capillary action. Our results have shown no significant difference in disease severity between the two techniques, but the automated apparatus has two advantages, it is faster to use, and it minimizes exposure of the user to inoculum. As with the silk channel technique, inoculation can be conducted following pollination just by lifting the ear shoot bag.