Spatio‐temporal development of pycnidia and perithecia and dissemination of spores of Mycosphaerella pinodes on pea (Pisum sativum)

Abstract

The pattern of development of pycnidia and perithecia of Mycosphaerella pinodes was studied in the glasshouse on pea plants (cv. Solara) sprayed with a pycnospore suspension and in field plots inoculated with barley grains colonized by the fungus. The numbers of pycnidia and perithecia were estimated on each stipule and internode of infected plants, and were related to ratings of disease severity (0–5 scale). Pycnidia were produced on both green and senescent organs, whereas perithecia only appeared on senescent organs. The development and quantity of pycnidia were related to initial inoculum concentration and the physiological stage of the plants. The formation of fruiting bodies progressed from the bottoms to the tops of plants during crop development. Spore trapping showed that both pycnospore dispersal and ascospore discharge were initiated by rainfall or dew. Pycnospores were principally trapped in the first 20 cm above the soil surface while ascospores were also trapped above the crop canopy. Pycnospores and ascospores were dispersed throughout the growing season, suggesting that ascospores also play an important role in secondary infections.