The effect of light and temperature on in vitro germination and germ tube growth of urediniospores of Tranzschelia discolor

Abstract

The effect of light on in vitro germination of urediniospores of Tranzschelia discolor was studied over time at different intensitities (up to 400 8E m-2 s-l) within the temperature range 5�C to 20�C. A model was also developed from the data to predict germination at different combinations of light, temperature and times of leaf wetness. Light retarded the germination process, and its effect increased in direct proportion to intensity. At 20�C, for example, the time taken to exceed 80% germination increased from 2 h in the dark to 9 h at 200 8E m-2 s-l. The model showed that there was an interaction between light and temperature, with the effect of light becoming more pronounced as the temperature declined below 20�C. Germination percentages of the order of 90% were, however, recorded within 24 h at all combinations of light intensity and temperature studied. Light also influenced germ tube growth, causing a reduction in the rate of growth. As in germination, its effect increased with increasing light intensity. At 20�C, the average germ tube length at 9 h was 541 8m in the dark, compared with 227 8m at 200 8E m-2 s-1 and 148 8m at 400 8E m-2 s-l. A similar effect was observed at 5�C, where the average germ tube length at 24 h was 274 8m in the dark compared with 157 8m at 200 8E m-2 s-l. The effects of light on the germination and germ tube growth of urediniospores under field conditions are discussed.