Ascochyta (anamorphic genus)
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Author(s): Sam Markell, North Dakota State University
Source: IPM Images
Ascochyta Lib. 1830
This is a large genus of plant pathogenic and saprophytic ascomycetes. The plant pathogens cause serious blight and leaf spot diseases on legumes, cereals and other crops which might result in complete yield losses. Spores landing on the leaves of host plants initiate infections and often enter through small wounds. Elliptical or circular lesions with a dark border develop and destruction of the host tissue follows.
The fungi often overwinter as mycelium in plant debris and produce black, asexual pycnidia in spring which release pycnidiospores. New pycnidia but also sexual perithecia develop in the lesions which release airborne pycnidiospores and ascospores respectively. Spores often disperse through rainsplashes and long-distance spread occurs through infected seeds. Disease outbreaks are promoted by high humidity.
For management, crop rotation, the removal of infected plant debris, chemical seed treatments and late sowing are the main options. The use of fungicides may be economically not viable. Resistant cultivars are under development.
Type species: Ascochyta pisi
For a review of ascochyta blight of peas see Bretag et al., 2006.
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
