Early stages of infection of rapeseed petals and leaves by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum revealed by scanning electron microscopy

The primary ascospore inoculum of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum initially infects rapeseed (Brassica napus var oleifera) via petals. Infected petals fall onto leaf surfaces, resulting in infection of those organs. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of this process was undertaken to elucidate the host‐parasite relationship and to determine the best plant organ for detection by serology of early field infection as an aid to disease forecasting and cost‐effective disease control. The behaviour of ascospores deposited on young petals and on leaves was compared. Ascospores were deposited by inverting a mature apothecium above either a leaf disc, a young petal or young petal placed on a leaf surface. Spore germination, host penetration and colonization were examined by SEM. On young petals, the following steps in pathogenesis were observed: ascospore adhesion and germination, penetration of the host from short germ tubes and collapse of epidermal cells. Petals were then covered with extensive mycelium. From these sites, the mycelium invaded leaf tissues and infection proceeded. In contrast, ascospores landing directly on leaf surfaces failed to germinate. The role of petals as sites of pre‐election in the aetiology of the disease is discussed in relation to the published literature.