PATHOGENICITY STUDIES WITH FUSARIUM POAE

Abstract

An isolate of Fusarium poae (Pk.) Wr. from diseased pea plants at Ottawa caused complete wilting and death of several varieties and species of legumes within 72 hours of root inoculation. Tip-wilting and severe stunting symptoms were produced on inoculated barley, but no symptoms developed on wheat and oats. A sterile filtrate from a suspension of conidia and mycelium was phytotoxic when applied to the roots of peas and beans. The fungus was able to persist for more than 8 weeks in soil containing decomposing pea plants.