Germination of Botrytis cinerea conidia in vitro in relation to nutrient conditions on leaf surfaces

Abstract

Conidia of different isolates of Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. varied widely in ability to germinate in water. Sugars and amino acids were added at concentrations similar to natural levels on leaf surfaces. To a limited extent simple sugars promoted germination. Fructose was most effective whilst sucrose was least effective. Amino acids stimulated germination with the exception of taurine and lysine. Lysine reduced the stimulatory effect of a mixture of amino acids. Germination of conidia was only increased by an inorganic nitrogen source, ammonium salts or by a mixture of mineral salts, when glucose was present. Growth factors, yeast extract, gibberellic acid and kinetin had no effect on germination but indole-acetic acid caused a small stimulation. Abscisic acid depressed germination. It is suggested that, like soil fungi, the germination of spores of phylloplane fungi may be nutrient-dependent, or independent with respect to exogenous nutrients. Poor in vivo germination of B. cinerea may be associated with competition.