Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #115463
Title: MYCOSPHAERELLA PINODES - EPIDEMIOLOGY, DISPERSAL, MANAGEMENT

Author
item KAISER, WALTER - RETIRED USDA
item Dugan, Frank

Submitted to: World Wide Web Ecoport U of Florida and Food and Agriculture Organization
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/25/2000
Publication Date: 10/1/2000
Citation: Kaiser, W.J., Dugan, F.M. 2000. Mycosphaerella pinodes - epidemiology, dispersal, management. In: Semer, C. editor. Ecoport: The Consilience Engine. Record 22419. http://Ecoport.org.

Interpretive Summary: Mycosphaerella pinodes (anamorph = Ascochyta pinodes) is a seed- and soil-borne agent of ascochyta blight and foot rot of pea (Pisum sativum). Propagation and survival are effected principally via conidia and chlamydospores. Ascospores are responsible for long range dispersal. Literature is reviewed, cited and summarized with respect to epidemiology and management of the pathogen. Evidence is contradictory with regard the degree of variation in pathogen populations. Some researchers have classified M. pinodes into pathotypes. Management is principally through seed treatment and, occasionally, field application of fungicides. Cultural practices such as time of sowing, plowing under of residue, and avoidance of moist climate contribute to control. Crop rotation is of limited value. Highly resistant cultivars are not yet available. Breeders are looking for resistance in both cultivated and wild populations of pea.

Technical Abstract: Mycosphaerella pinodes (synonym = Ascochyta pinodes), is a fungus which can inhabit the soil and can infect seed of common pea. The fungus is a contributor to a disease known as ascochyta blight, and can also cause a disease called foot rot. Ascochyta blight can devastate the foliage and seed pods of pea plants. When causing foot rot, the fungus retards or even kills young plants. This review is a contribution to an existing web site sponsored by University of Florida, the Smithsonian Institution, and FAO. It will provide scientists, extension agents and growers with summaries of published practical advice and experimental research on M. pinodes. Literature citations and/or URLs are provided for persons seeding more detailed information about epidemiology and management.