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Aspects of the Biology of Ustilago kamerunensis , a Smut Pathogen of Napier Grass ( Pennisetum purpureum )
Author(s) -
Farrell G.,
Simons S. A.,
Hillocks R. J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of phytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0434
pISSN - 0931-1785
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0434.2001.00706.x
Subject(s) - smut , biology , pennisetum purpureum , spore , tiller (botany) , germination , ustilago , eleusine , botany , pennisetum , appressorium , stem rust , agronomy , dry matter , biochemistry , finger millet , cultivar , gene
The smut Ustilago kamerunensis causes serious losses in biomass to Pennisetum purpureum , an important fodder crop in East Africa. Descriptions of symptoms in infected plants, and the morphology and size of fungal spores and sori agreed with those of the original record. Spores in soil remained viable for up to 16 weeks under ambient conditions, and were able to germinate at temperatures between 0 and 35°C in the laboratory. Sporidia and germ tubes were produced from spores on agar surfaces, but appressoria resulted from germinating spores on host plant surfaces. The infection court was the germinating tiller bud.