Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) or Turcicum Leaf Blight (TLB) is the most important and widespread maize leaf disease worldwide including in India. NCLB disease starts first on lower leaves and then spread up the whole plant under favourable weather conditions. High humidity associated with low temperature and cloudy weather is favourable conditions for disease development on the host plant. Heavy dew on the growing plant also as supportive factors to lead NCLB disease severity. NCLB reduces the grain yield of maize considerably all over the world. The disease causes leaf necrosis and premature death of leaves which can reduce the grain yield of maize by 28 to 91 per cent. Northern corn leaf blight is mainly controlled through the use of resistant verities. Varieties are available with both monogenic and polygenic resistance and should be used whenever possible. Other approaches such as fungicides and residue management could be applied to control the NCLB disease in maize.

Keyword: Turcicum Leaf Blight, Exserohilum turcicum, Zea mays, Disease Cycle