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Ascospore release and discharge distances of Fusarium graminearum under controlled temperature and relative humidity

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Abstract

Understanding the influence of meteorological conditions on the release of pathogen spores is necessary for crop management decisions and development of spore transport models. This study investigated the release of ascospores of Fusarium graminearum in a controlled chamber at two temperatures (15 °C and 25 °C) and at three relative humidities (60 %, 75 %, and 95 %). Filter paper pieces containing perithecia from a single isolate of F. graminearum were placed inside custom 3D-printed spore discharge devices, and the number of ascospores released and distance the ascospores were discharged were measured. The number of ascospores released was higher at 15 °C, and increased with increasing levels of relative humidity. Ascospores were discharged 0.5 mm to over 12 mm from perithecia and traveled farther from the perithecia at 25 °C and at the highest levels of relative humidity. Even small differences in discharge distances may be important for the escape of ascospores from the laminar boundary layer and into the turbulent layer. Spore transport models need to consider the impact of environmental conditions on spore release and transport.

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Acknowledgments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant Numbers DGE-0966125 (IGERT: MultiScale Transport in Environmental and Physiological System (MultiSTEPS)) and the Virginia Small Grains Board (449281, Improving the Management of FHB through an Increased Understanding of how the Pathogen Releases its Spores). The authors thank Dr. Aaron J. Prussin, II for his input, insight, and guidance on this project. The authors thank Craig Powers for his assistance in designing and printing the 3D-printed spore discharge devices. The authors also thank the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) at Virginia Tech for their help with statistical analyses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 411 Durham Hall, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    Ray F. David & Linsey C. Marr

  2. Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, 413 Latham Hall, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    David G. Schmale III

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  1. Ray F. David
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Correspondence to David G. Schmale III.

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David, R.F., Marr, L.C. & Schmale, D.G. Ascospore release and discharge distances of Fusarium graminearum under controlled temperature and relative humidity. Eur J Plant Pathol 146, 59–69 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-016-0891-0

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