First report of Stemphylium eturmiunum causing Stemphylium blight on Vicia faba in Canada

Abstract

Faba bean is an important, protein-rich pulse crop grown worldwide, with increasing acreage in Canada in the last 50 years. Stemphylium blight can cause substantial yield losses due to defoliation of the plant. In 2022, high incidence levels of Stemphylium blight were observed in research plots at Rosthern and Melfort, SK. Based on morphological characteristics, DNA barcoding, and virulence testing, S. eturmiunum was confirmed as the causal pathogen of these Stemphylium blight lesions. This is the first report of S. eturmiunum infection causing Stemphylium blight on faba bean in Canada. Based on the severity of symptoms it can cause, S. eturmiunum has the potential to pose a serious threat to faba bean production.