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Carpogenic germination of Sclerotinia minor and potential distribution in Australia

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Abstract

This study confirms that Australian isolates of Sclerotinia minor can produce fertile apothecia and further demonstrates that ascospores collected from these apothecia are pathogenic to sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Sunflower is a known host of the related fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and is grown in some regions where S. minor is known to occur. Head rot symptoms were produced following inoculation with S. minor ascospores. Predictive modeling using CLIMEX software suggested that conditions suitable for carpogenic germination of S. minor probably occur in Australia particularly in southern regions. Carpogenic germination is probably a rare event in northern regions and, if it does occur, probably does not coincide with anthesis in sunflower crops, therefore allowing disease escape.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical Plant Protection, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Hines Building, 4072, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    M. G. Ekins, E. A. B. Aitken & K. C. Goulter

  2. Botany Department, University Of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    M. G. Ekins & E. A. B. Aitken

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  1. M. G. Ekins
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  2. E. A. B. Aitken
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  3. K. C. Goulter
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Correspondence to M. G. Ekins.

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Ekins, M.G., Aitken, E.A.B. & Goulter, K.C. Carpogenic germination of Sclerotinia minor and potential distribution in Australia. Australasian Plant Pathology 31, 259–265 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1071/AP02022

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/AP02022

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