A comparative study of the black stem fungi on lucerne and red clover and the footrot fungus on pea

North American (U.S.A., Canada) and Dutch strains of the black stem and footrot organisms were comparedin vitro and some amplifying inoculation experiments were made. It appears that black stem of lucerne is associated in nearly all cases with one relatively uniform pycnidial fungus. From comparison withPhoma herbarum, the type species of the form-genusPhoma, it is concluded that the fungus, although quite different fromP. herbarum, belongs toPhoma and not toAscochyta. The correct name is therefore considered to bePhoma medicaginis Malbr. & Roum. and notAscochyta imperfecta orP. herbarum f.medicaginum. Black stem of red clover is in general caused by a similar pycnidial fungus which, however,in vitro can always be distinguished from the lucerne fungus by its greater variability. This organism, the current name of which isPhoma trifolii, appears to be identical with the well-known footrot fungus of pea:Ascochyta pinodella. It is proposed to designate it asPhoma medicaginis var.pinodella (Jones) Boerema comb. nov. IncidentallyP. medicaginis can be associated with black stem of red clover andP. medicaginis var.pinodella with black stem of lucerne. Inoculation experiments confirmed the pathogenicity of both organisms to lucerne and red clover. On pea only the varietypinodella has been found, although inoculation experiments proved thatP. medicaginis can also attack pea.     

Impact of Foliar Diseases on Photosynthesis, Protein Content and Seed Yield of Alfalfa and Efficacy of Fungicide Application

Foliar pathogens attack alfalfa wherever the crop is grown, but their impact, especially on seed production, is poorly understood. In greenhouse trials, leaf spot injury caused by inoculation with various pathogens reduced the crude protein content of infected alfalfa leaves by 22% compared with a healthy control. There was a negative relationship between disease injury and the photosynthetic efficiency of alfalfa plants, as determined by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves from inoculated vs. non-inoculated seedlings. In field trials at two sites in Alberta from 2001 to 2003, inoculation with Phoma medicaginis increased disease incidence in four of six trials, Phoma sclerotioides increased incidence in four of five trials, and Leptosphaerulina trifolii and Stemphylium botryosum increased incidence in two of six trials. There was a trend for inoculation treatments to reduce seed yield, despite high levels of background infection by indigenous pathogens. The fungicides benomyl and propiconazole inhibited radial growth of Phoma spp. in vitro and reduced disease incidence in inoculated greenhouse experiments. In field trials, applications of benomyl and propiconazole reduced disease incidence, but did not always increase seed yield.     

Aggressiveness of Phytophthora medicaginis on chickpea: Phenotyping method determines isolate ranking and host genotype-by-isolate interactions

Phytophthora medicaginis causing Phytophthora root rot of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is an important disease, with genetic resistance using C. arietinum × Cicer echinospermum crosses as the main disease management strategy. We evaluated pathogenic variation in P. medicaginis populations with the aim of improving phenotyping methods for disease resistance. We addressed the question of individual isolate aggressiveness across four different seedling-based phenotyping methods conducted in glasshouses and one field-based phenotyping method. Our results revealed that a seedling media surface inoculation method used on a susceptible C. arietinum variety and a moderately resistant C. arietinum × C. echinospermum backcross detected the greatest variability in aggressiveness among 37 P. medicaginis isolates. Evaluations of different components of resistance, using our different phenotyping methods, revealed that differential pathogen–isolate reactions occur with some phenotyping methods. We found support for our hypotheses that the level of aggressiveness of P. medicaginis isolates depends on the phenotyping method, and that phenotyping methods interact with both isolate and host genotype reactions. Our cup-based root inoculation method showed promise as a non-field-based phenotyping method, as it provided significant correlations with genotype–isolate rankings in the field experiment for a number of disease parameters.     

Distribution and breakdown of DDT in orchard soil

Amounts of DDT and its breakdown products were determined in soil in an apple orchard in Herefordshire. Samples were taken for a number of years (1972–79) after use of the insecticide in the orchard had ceased in 1969. The results were compared with those obtained in an investigation of the same orchard in 1968. From 1968 to 1979, soil residues of pp′-DDT, p′--DDT and pp′--TDE decreased gradually whereas those of pp′--DDE increased, and there were linear relationships between log (concentration) and time. The calculated time for 50% decrease in concentration (Dt₅₀) was 11.7 years for pp′--DDT, 3.3 years for pp′--TDE and 7.1 years for op′--DDT; the time for doubling the concentration for pp′--DDE was 9.1 years. Regression analysis on the two major components (pp′--DDT+pp′--DDE) indicated that the total amount (2.7 mg kg^?1) was not decreasing with time. It was concluded that during a post-spray era, the breakdown of pp′--DDT to pp′--DDE was a significant feature of the persistence of DDT, and that, in contrast to the findings of other workers who sampled when DDT was being used, there were no losses by volatilisation. There was an exponential decrease in the amount of DDT residues with increasing soil depth and approximately 90% was found in the top 10 cm of the undisturbed soil profile.     

Conversion of [14C]buturon in soil and leaching water under outdoor conditions

[¹⁴C]Buturon, a urea herbicide, was sprayed on soil and winter wheat as an aqueous formulation (2.98 kg/ha) under outdoor conditions. Three months after application, a total of 49.2% of the applied radiocarbon was recovered: 46.9% in the soil, 0.3% in the leaching water (depth > 50 cm), and 2.0% in the plants. Radioactive residues in the soil were distributed to a depth of 50 cm and decreased with increasing depth of the soil. An average of 47% of the radioactivity present in the soil could be extracted with cold chloroform; by this extraction method, the formation of artefacts was avoided. Between one and two thirds of the extracted radioactivity was unchanged buturon. In the soil extracts, the following eight conversion products were isolated and identified by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: N-(p-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-O-methyl carbamate; N-(p-chlorophenyl)-O-methyl carbamate; N-(p-chlorophenyl)-N′-methyl-N′-isobutenyl-urea; N-(p-chlorophenyl)-N′-methyl-urea, N-(p-chlorophenyl)-N′-methyl-N′-isobutenylol-urea; p-chloroaniline in “biologically bound” form; N-(p-chlorophenyl)-N′-methyl-N′-methoxyisobutenyl-urea; and N-(p-chlorophenyl)-N′-methyl-N′-ethoxyisobutenyl-urea. In the leaching water, which contained only 0.005–0.006 mg/liter of radioactive substances, the following three conversion products were isolated and identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: p-chloroformanilide; N-(p-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-O-methyl carbamate; and an N-hydroxyphenyl-N′-methyl-N′-isobutinyl-urea. The results are discussed in relation to the factors responsible for the formation of these products.     

Use of survival analysis to assess management options for ray blight in Australian pyrethrum fields

The effects of fungicide, cultivar and plant density on the time‐to‐death of pyrethrum flowers affected by ray blight (caused by Phoma ligulicola var. inoxydablis) in Australia were analysed using nonparametric Kaplan–Meier (KM) estimates and accelerated failure time (AFT) models with a Weibull probability distribution. Analyses using KM estimates and AFT models yielded similar results. The median survival time (T) for all flowers in the fungicide trial was estimated at 53 days [95% confidence interval (CI) = 43–53] in 2000 and 60 days (CI = 51–60) in 2001. In both years, all fungicides tested except copper oxychloride significantly (P ≤ 0·0495) increased the duration of flower survival compared with nontreated plots. Significant variation (P < 0·0001) was noted between years and among four cultivars in terms of flower survival, with T values for different cultivars ranging from 41 to 81 days, and averaging 69 days (CI = 60–69) in 2005 and 64 days (CI = 56–64) in 2006 for all cultivars. Planting at a quarter the density currently recommended increased flower survival by 41·8% (χ² = 29·19; P < 0·0001), but did not increase yield. Linear regression indicated that defoliation severity accounted for at least 94% of variation in median survival time. Improved management may be achieved via an integrated strategy incorporating these factors.     

Transformations of 4-chloro-o-toluidine in soil: Generation of coupling products by one-electron oxidation

Four coupling products formed by one-electron oxidation of 4-chloro-o-toluidine were isolated from soil samples after 90 days of incubation with [¹⁴C]chlordimeform (200 mg/kg). The metabolic compounds were identified as 4,4′-dichloro-2,2′-dimethyl-azobenzene, 4-chloro-6-nitro-o-toluidine, N-(4-chloro-o-tolyl)-2-methyl-p-benzoquin-one monoimine and 2-(4-chloro-o-toluidino)-N-(4-chloro-o-tolyl)-6-methyl-p-benzo-quinone monoimine, respectively. Mechanisms of formation and possible significance of these substances as indicators for metabolic pathways to mineralisation of aniline derivatives are discussed. The chlordimeform soil concentrations (70–100 mg/kg) necessary for the formation of the azobenzene and the benzoquinone monoimines are at least 10 times higher than those occurring after actual field application.     

Activation of defence responses to Phytophthora infestans in potato by BABA

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most devastating diseases of the potato crop. Resistance breeding and current fungicides are unable to control the rapidly evolving P. infestans and new control strategies are urgently needed. This study examined mechanisms of dl ‐β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA)‐induced resistance (IR) in the potato–P. infestans system. Leaves from two cultivars that differ in their degree of resistance, Bintje and Ovatio, were analysed after foliar treatment with BABA. Rapid activation of various defence responses and a significant reduction in P. infestans growth were observed in leaves treated with BABA. In the more resistant cultivar, Ovatio, the activation was both faster and stronger than in Bintje. Microscopic analysis of leaves treated with BABA revealed induction of small hypersensitive response (HR)‐like lesions surrounded by callose, as well as production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Molecular and chemical analyses revealed soluble phenols such as arbutin and chlorogenic acid and activation of PR‐1. These results show a direct activation of defence responses in potato, rather than priming as reported for other plant species. They also show that the efficiency of BABA‐IR differs between cultivars, which highlights the importance of taking all aspects into consideration when establishing new methods for disease management.     

Evaluation of Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency,Digestibility and Some Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Forage Beet Cultivars Under Different Irrigation Methods and Nitrogen Levels

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water and nitrogen use efficiency and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage beet cultivars under the influence of different irrigation methods and nitrogen levels in two cropping years, 2017–18 and 2018–19, at Agricultural Research Station in Karaj, Iran. Experimental factors included the first factor with four irrigation methods (normal leakage, alternate furrow irrigation, fixed furrow irrigation, type (drip-strip)), the second factor was the amount of nitrogen fertilizer with three levels (150, 200 and 250?kg N ha^?1) and the third factor included three forage beet cultivars (Sbsi052, Jamon and Kyros). Among irrigation treatments, alternate furrow irrigation and fixed furrow irrigation had the highest sugar content with 9.28% and 9.17%, respectively. The highest yield of digestible organic matter was obtained in leakage irrigation treatment, nitrogen fertilizer of 250?kg ha^?1 and in Kyros at the rate of 19.45?t ha^?1. The highest yield of root digestible dry matter, potassium, sodium and free nitrogen was observed in leakage irrigation treatment and consumption of 200?kg ha^?1 nitrogen was observed in foreign cultivars. The highest crude protein was observed in alternate furrow irrigation conditions with a consumption of 200?kg ha^?1 nitrogen in cultivar Sbsi052 at 13.08%. Leakage irrigation and type tape had the highest consumption efficiency and efficiency of nitrogen uptake with application of 150 and 200?kg ha^?1 N, and the highest water use efficiency was also observed in leakage irrigation and type tape with application of 250?kg ha^?1 N in domestic and foreign cultivars. The type irrigation method showed better quantitative and qualitative yield than the furrow irrigation methods.

     

Consistent responses of yield and resistance of wheat cultivars to the root-lesion nematode,Pratylenchus thornei,in the Australian northern subtropical region,but not in the temperate southern region

To understand the yield response of cereal cultivars to Pratylenchus thornei, eight experiments were conducted within the subtropical northern, and temperate southern grain-producing regions of Australia. Wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum) ranging from susceptible to moderately resistant to P. thornei were grown in Year 1 to establish a range of population densities. In Year 2 before sowing, P. thornei was quantified in each plot and six cereal cultivars were each grown on a similar range of population densities (average minimum to maximum of 3.4–60.6 P. thornei/g soil); P. thornei was quantified again at harvest. In the four experiments in the northern region there was a significant, negative logarithmic response of yield of the three most intolerant/susceptible cultivars as P. thornei population densities increased (yield decreased 172–479 kg/ha per unit increase in log_e-transformed P. thornei/g soil). The responsiveness of yield to increasing P. thornei population densities diminished as the tolerance and resistance of the cultivars improved. In the southern region, there was no relationship between yield and P. thornei in three experiments and minor, positive increases in one experiment (1.6 kg/ha per unit increase in P. thornei/g soil). Across both regions, the change in P. thornei population densities from sowing to harvest was logarithmic and positive, and generally greatest in the northern region. The contrast of responses of cereal cultivars between the regions, despite similar population densities of P. thornei, is indicative of the influence of the environment particularly on tolerance, therefore management with a regional focus is essential.     

BTH处理对甜瓜叶片活性氧代谢的诱导作用

为了明确活性氧（reactive oxygen species,ROS）代谢在甜瓜抗病性诱导中的作用,以抗白粉病甜瓜品种Tam Dew和感病品种卡拉克赛幼苗为材料,通过盆栽试验研究了苯丙噻二唑（BTH）喷雾或白粉菌接种后甜瓜叶片超氧阴离子（O2.-）产生速率、过氧化氢（H2O2）含量及超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、苯丙氨酸解氨酶（PAL）活性的变化。BTH处理或白粉菌接种均可诱导甜瓜叶片SOD、PAL活性升高,抑制CAT活性,导致叶组织O2.-产生速率和H2O2含量增加,BTH喷雾＋白粉菌接种比二者单独处理效果更好。结果表明,BTH处理后叶片O2.-产生速率提高和H2O2积累是甜瓜抗白粉病能力提高的重要机制,BTH通过诱导ROS代谢酶活性调节H2O2含量,且BTH诱导的甜瓜抗病性与品种的基础抗性有关。     

Application timing of herbicides,glyphosate and atrazine,sway respective epidemics of foliar pathogens in herbicide-tolerant rapeseed

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) production in Australia relies heavily on triazine-or glyphosate-tolerant cultivars. For 14 triazine-tolerant cultivars, disease development of Neopseudocercosporella capsellae (white leaf spot), Alternaria brassicae and A. japonica (Alternaria leaf spot), and Hyaloperonospora brassicae (downy mildew) were all dependent upon herbicide application timing (p < 0.001), with significant differences between cultivars (p < 0.001) and a significant interaction (p < 0.001) between herbicide application timing and cultivars. Atrazine applied preinfection by N. capsellae, A. brassicae, or A. japonica enhanced disease incidence, severity, and leaf collapse, while atrazine application postinfection for these same pathogens reduced all three disease parameters. However, for H. brassicae, application of atrazine after, and especially prior to, infection resulted in lower disease incidence, severity, and leaf collapse. Application of glyphosate on five glyphosate-tolerant cultivars for N. capsellae resulted in significant differences (p < 0.05) between glyphosate application treatments, and between host cultivars in terms of incidence and consequent leaf collapse. For A. brassicae, A. japonica, and H. brassicae, glyphosate resulted in significant differences (p < 0.001) across application timings between cultivars, and a significant interaction (p < 0.001) between herbicide application timings and cultivars. Glyphosate applied on glyphosate-resistant rapeseed after, and especially prior to, attack by H. brassicae, reduced downy mildew. These are the first studies to highlight how the timing of application of triazine or glyphosate in relation to pathogen infection is critical to the susceptibility of rapeseed to white leaf spot, Alternaria leaf spot, and downy mildew. This new understanding offers fresh possibilities for improved management of these diseases in herbicide-tolerant rapeseed crops.     

Screening of rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars for resistance to rice black streaked dwarf virus using quantitative PCR and visual disease assessment

Rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) causing rice black streaked dwarf disease is transmitted by the small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) in a persistent propagative manner. The disease is considered among the most destructive in rice production in east and southeast Asia. For sustainable control of the disease, planting resistant cultivars is the most economical and efficient method. The virus content in different rice cultivars was quantified using a TaqMan RT‐qPCR assay under greenhouse conditions and the disease was visually assessed in these cultivars in both greenhouse and field conditions. Results revealed significant positive moderate correlation (r = 0.3787; P = 0.0009) between the virus content and visual disease assessment in the greenhouse under forced inoculation. Among 66 rice cultivars, there was no significant difference in RBSDV genome equivalent copies (GEC) in seven cultivars, namely Lian‐dao 9805 (200.2 ± 12), Liangyou 3399 (206.6 ± 28), Ningjing 4 (206.6 ± 28), DaLiang 207 (302.0 ± 61), X 008 (354.0 ± 30), Shengdao 301 (658.4 ± 69) and Liangyou 1129 (679.5 ± 98). These cultivars were also visually assessed as resistant under greenhouse and field conditions. These cultivars could be used in disease management to reduce the likelihood of epidemics.     

Fonofos residues in an organic soil and vegetable crops following treatment of the soil with the insecticide

Fonofos (O-ethyl S-phenyl ethylphosphonodithioate) was applied to an organic soil as band treatment at the rates of 1.12 and 2.24 kg/ha. The persistence of the insecticide and its translocation into onions and two rotation crops (lettuces and carrots) was studied under field conditions. Proportionally more residues persisted in the soil from the higher rate of application. In autumn, 4 months after soil treatment, about 40-48 % of the initially recovered levels of fonofos remained in soil. However, the amount of fonofos present at the harvest time, during the second growing season was only 16–26% of the insecticide concentration found in spring. Onions harvested 4 months after application of fonofos had no detectable residue (> 0.005 mg/kg) whereas lettuces and carrots grown in the following year contained fonofos in various amounts. At the lower rate of application the insecticide residues in lettuces and carrots were < 0.005 and 0.025 mg/kg, respectively, and those from the higher application rate were 0.012 and 0.036 mg/kg. About 72–80% of the residue could be removed by peeling the carrots. No residue of the oxygen analogue, O-ethyl S-phenyl ethylphos-phonothioate (I) was detected in any soil or crop samples.     

Temporal development and relationship amongst brown rot blossom blight,fruit blight and fruit rot in integrated and organic sour cherry orchards

The aim of this 4‐year study was to characterize temporal development of brown rot blossom blight and fruit blight (caused by Monilinia spp.) and their sporulating areas in sour cherry orchards; and to determine the relationships amongst incidence and sporulating area of blossom blight, fruit blight and fruit rot. The study was performed in integrated and organic orchard blocks on two cultivars (Újfehértói fürtös and Érdi b?term?). On both cultivars, disease progress on flowers and fruits was 2–10 times slower in the integrated than in the organic management system. The peak incidence values were 9 and 31 days after petal fall for blossom blight and fruit blight, respectively. After these dates, no new blight symptoms on flowers and/or fruits appeared and the disease was levelling off. Final blossom blight incidence ranged from 1 to 5% and from 12 to 34%, and fruit rot incidence from 2 to 6% and from 11 to 26% in the integrated and the organic orchards, respectively. The sum of fruit blight incidence ranged from 9 to 22% for the organic system, but was below 5% for the integrated system, while the final sporulating area was 5–16 mm² and <3 mm², respectively. Among the five highest Pearson's correlation coefficients, relationships between blossom blight and early fruit blight stage (r = 0·845, P = 0·0087 integrated; r = 0·901, P = 0·0015 organic), and between sporulating area and fruit rot (r = 0791, P = 0·0199 integrated; r = 0·874, P = 0·0039 organic) were the most significant relationships from an epidemic standpoint as they indicated a connection between different brown rot symptom types.     

Impact of Irrigation Timing and Weed Management Practices on Chlorophyll Content and Morphological Traits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

Weeds are a major biotic constraint; compete with crop for the same resources and ultimately reduce productivity. This study evaluated the impact of irrigation intervals and weed management treatments on chlorophyll content and morphological growth of tomato to find an appropriate integrated weed management strategy. Two-year field experiments (2018/2019) were conducted at district Mardan (34°15′38″ N and 72°6′36″ E). Tomato F1 hybrid (Taj?3592) was transplanted during March. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete-block design in split-plot arrangement with three replications. The main block comprised three irrigation intervals (3, 6, and 9 days) and the sub-block included weed management treatments: transparent polythene, black polythene, weeding except Orobanche, sole weeding of Orobanche, weeding of all weeds, copper oxychloride 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1 (single dose), copper oxychloride 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1 (split doses), copper oxychloride?+?humic acid 25?kg ha^?1 (single dose), copper oxychloride?+?humic acid 25?kg ha^?1 (split doses), copper sulphate 2?kg ha^?1 (single dose), copper sulphate 2?kg ha^?1 (split doses), ammonium sulphate 200?kg ha^?1 (single dose), ammonium sulphate 200?kg ha^?1 (split doses), pendimethalin 33 EC 1.44?kg a.i ha^?1, glyphosate 48 SL 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1, and weedy check. Lowest relative weed density (RWD) of O. cernua (2.23%) and highest RWD of O. cernua (38.01%) were recorded in the 3? and 9?day irrigation intervals, respectively. However, 3?day irrigation interval resulted in highest fresh weed biomass (5794?kg ha^?1). Moreover, the 6?day irrigation interval significantly increased chlorophyll content by 11 and 5%, leaf area by 23 and 6%, and number of branches plant^?1 by 30 and 22% compared to 9? and 3?day irrigation intervals, respectively. Among the weed management treatments, black polythene resulted in the highest weed control efficiency (96%), increasing chlorophyll content by 16%, leaf area by 33%, and number of branches plant^?1 by 64% vs. weedy check. Consequently, 6?day irrigation intervals?×?black polythene could be the best weed management strategy, followed by transparent polythene, weeding of all weeds, pendimethalin, glyphosate, and ammonium sulphate.

     

Geographic location and year determine virulence,and year determines genetic change,in populations of Neopseudocercosporella capsellae

White leaf spot (Neopseudocercosporella capsellae) can be severe and problematic worldwide across both horticultural and oilseed Brassicaceae, including susceptible rapeseed. In this study, 82 isolates from 2015 and 106 isolates from across Australia in 2016 were first assessed for their virulence against three different rapeseed (Brassica napus) cultivars. For both years there were significant (P < 0.001) differences. Also, there were significant (all P < 0.001) differences between isolates in each year, and between cultivars. For 2016 isolates, there were also significant differences (P < 0.001) between isolates across three different Australian states, and a significant interaction (P < 0.001) between isolates with cultivars. Of the three Australian states, isolates from Victoria were most virulent. Among tested cultivars, cv. Scoop was most susceptible. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis of 114 of these same 2015 and 2016 isolates showed current isolates clustered separately from the majority of 2005 N. capsellae isolates collected from Western Australia a decade earlier, confirming significant genetic change within N. capsellae populations over the past decade. However, isolate clusters showed no association with geographical location. The results suggest that phylogenetic association among 2005 and 2015–2016 N. capsellae isolates is complementary with pathogenicity variations explained by geographically different N. capsellae pathogen populations. Neopseudocercosporella capsellae populations are evolving rapidly, challenging management through host resistance at a time of increasing incidence and severity of white leaf spot disease over the past decade. The outcome is well illustrated by cv. Scoop, previously resistant to 2005 isolates but moderately susceptible to 2015 and highly susceptible to 2016 isolates.     

Effect of host and non‐host crops on Plasmodiophora brassicae resting spore concentrations and clubroot of canola

Plasmodiophora brassicae, causal agent of clubroot of crucifers, poses a serious threat to Canadian canola production. The effects of fallow (F) periods and bait crops (clubroot‐susceptible canola (B) and perennial ryegrass (R)) on clubroot severity and P. brassicae resting spore populations were evaluated in five sequences: R–B, B–R, R–F, B–F and F–F. Both host and non‐host bait crops reduced clubroot severity in a subsequent crop of a susceptible canola cultivar compared with fallow. Resting spore and P. brassicae DNA concentrations decreased in all treatments, but were lowest for the R–B and B–R bait crop sequences. In addition, two studies were conducted in mini‐plots under field conditions to assess the effect of rotation of susceptible or resistant canola cultivars on clubroot severity and P. brassicae resting spore populations. One study included three crops of susceptible canola compared with a 2‐year break of oat–pea, barley–pea, wheat–wheat or fallow–fallow. The other study assessed three crops of resistant canola, two crops of resistant canola with a 1‐year break, one crop of resistant canola and a 2‐year break, and a 3‐year break with barley followed by a susceptible canola. The rotations that included non‐host crops of barley, pea or oat reduced clubroot severity and resting spore concentrations, and increased yield, compared with continuous cropping of either resistant or susceptible canola. Growing of a susceptible canola cultivar contributed 23–250‐fold greater gall mass compared with resistant cultivars.     

Distribution of Pseudocercospora species causing Sigatoka leaf diseases of banana in Uganda and Tanzania

Sigatoka leaf diseases are a major constraint to banana production. A survey was conducted in Tanzania and Uganda to assess the distribution of Pseudocercospora species and severity of Sigatoka leaf diseases. Pseudocercospora species were identified using species-specific primers. Sigatoka-like leaf diseases were observed in all farms and on all cultivars, but disease severity varied significantly (P < 0.001) between countries, districts/regions within countries, altitudinal ranges and banana cultivars. In all regions except Kilimanjaro, P. fijiensis, the causal agent of black Sigatoka, was the only pathogen associated with Sigatoka disease. Mycosphaerella musae was associated with Sigatoka-like symptoms in Kilimanjaro region. Black Sigatoka disease was more severe in Uganda, with a mean disease severity index (DSI) of 37.5%, than in Tanzania (DSI = 19.9%). In Uganda, black Sigatoka disease was equally severe in Luwero district (mean DSI = 40.4%) and Mbarara district (mean DSI = 37.9%). In Tanzania, black Sigatoka was most severe in Kagera region (mean DSI = 29.2%) and least in Mbeya region (mean DSI = 11.5%). Pseudocercospora fijiensis, the most devastating sigatoka pathogen, was detected at altitudes of up to 1877 m a.s.l. This range expansion of P. fijiensis, previously confined to altitudes lower than 1350 m a.s.l. in East Africa, is of concern, especially for smallholder banana farmers growing the susceptible East African Highland bananas (EAHB). Among the banana varieties sampled, the EAHB, FHIA hybrids and Mchare were the most susceptible. Here, the loss of resistance in Yangambi KM5, a banana variety previously resistant to P. fijiensis, is reported for the first time.     

SSR assessment of Phytophthora infestans populations on tomato and potato in British gardens demonstrates high diversity but no evidence for host specialization

Phytophthora infestans populations can differ in composition as a result of host specialization on tomato and potato hosts. In Great Britain many amateur gardeners grow outdoor tomatoes but there is little or no commercial tomato production outdoors. This study analysed isolates of P. infestans from British gardens with 12 multiplexed simple sequence repeat markers that are used to monitor the disease on commercial potato crops. Samples of P. infestans from tomato hosts were collected in 3 years and from potato in 1 year from across Great Britain. Seven previously unreported clonal lineages were detected in garden populations and higher frequencies of unique clonal lineages (28–40%) were present compared with populations from British commercial potato crops reported elsewhere. Garden populations had a lower proportion (11–48% less) of the most common lineages (13_A2 and 6_A1) that together made up at least 86% of the commercial potato populations during the sampling period. Host species accounted for only 2·0% of molecular variance detected between garden potato‐ and tomato‐hosted samples. No significant difference in clonal lineage composition was found between host species in Great Britain and this could be due to the whole P. infestans population overwintering on potato. British garden populations on both hosts were much more diverse than those on commercial potato crops; this finding may be influenced by less frequent fungicide use by gardeners and a higher diversity of unsprayed susceptible potato cultivars, enabling metalaxyl‐sensitive and less aggressive genotypes to survive in gardens.