Factors Affecting Sporulation, Germination, and Appressoria Formation of Epicoccosorus nematosporus as a Mycoherbicide Under Controlled Environments

Abstract

To develop Epicoccosorus nematosporus as a mycoherbicide of Eleocharis kuroguwai, the optimum temperature and humidity for sporulation of the pathogen were studied. Conidial production was most abundant at <TEX>$28^{\circ}C$</TEX> with RH 60%, which yielded 661 mg in 9 cm Petri dish. Light intensity of 3,000 up to 7,500 lux was effective in stimulating conidial production of E. nematosporus on oatmeal agar, Light intensity affected sporulation more significantly than temperature. In the pot test, at least 12 h of dew period at <TEX>$20^{\circ}C$</TEX> and <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX> was required to achieve satisfactory conidial germination and appressorial formation. Few were killed at 8 h of dew period regardless of temperature. Sixteen hours of a single dew treatment immediately after inoculation killed more plants than did two or three repetitive dew treatments of 8-12 h.