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OBSERVATIONS ON THE SPOTTING OF TOMATO FRUITS BY BOTRYTIS GINERE A PERS.
Author(s) -
AINSWORTH G. C.,
OYLER ENID,
READ W. H.
Publication year - 1938
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1938.tb02336.x
Subject(s) - biology , botrytis cinerea , botrytis , spots , blight , conidium , spore , botany , horticulture , ascochyta , fungus , pectinase , germination , alternaria alternata , enzyme , biochemistry
SUMMARY Characteristic ring‐like spots caused by Botrytis cinerea on tomato fruits are described, with observations on certain factors which influence the spotting. Evidence is presented to show that, under conditions of high humidity, Botrytis spores lying on the surface of immature fruits germinate, penetrating the epidermis, and that the spots result from the pectinase enzyme secreted by the germ tubes. With the return of drier conditions the spore‐lings die and no fungus can be isolated from mature spots. It was found that similar spots could be produced experimentally by other species of Botrytis but not with various other fungi able to attack tomatoes. The Botrytis spots are compared with aphid injury and notes are given on control. We wish to thank Mr G. Cockerham, Mr E. E. Wallace, and Dr T. Small for material of blight, and Mr W. C. Moore for records of the disease.