ARS | Publication request: A Comparison of Stagonospora Nodorum from Wild Grasses and Wheat in North Dakota and Implications for the Stagonospora Nodorum Blotch Pathosystem

Submitted to: Mycological Society of America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 15, 2004
Publication Date: July 18, 2004
Citation: Bennett, R.S., Krupinsky, J.M., Milgroom, M.G., Bergstrom, G.C. 2004. A comparison of Stagonospora nodorum from wild grasses and wheat in North Dakota and implications for the Stagonospora nodorum blotch pathosystem. Proceedings of the Mycological Society of America, July 18-21, Asheville, NC. Inoculum 55(4):8.

Technical Abstract: While Stagonospora nodorum (Berk.) Castellani & Germano has been reported on many grass species, the inoculum contribution of wild and weedy grasses to epidemics on wheat is unknown. Previous work in North Dakota found evidence for host specialization: isolates of S. nodorum from wild grasses were less virulent on wheat than isolates derived from wheat, and vice-versa. Using AFLP markers, we examined the genetic relationship between previously characterized wheat-derived and grass-derived isolates and tested for population differentiation. Several potential sources of inoculum for Stagonospora nodorum blotch epidemics on wheat have been identified - wheat debris, infected seed, and alternate gramineous hosts - but, the relative importance of each is generally unknown. Our comparison should elucidate the potential importance of alternate hosts.