The spore load ofPithomyces chartarum(Berk. & Curt.) M. B. Ellis on green leaves of herbage in facial eczema studies

Abstract

Some of the deficiencies of spore trap and wash counts in the estimation of the spore load of Pithomyces chartarum (Berk. & Curt.) M. B. Ellis on herbage likely to be ingested by the grazing animal are considered. A technique for the sampling and microscopical counting of spores of the fungus on green leaves of white clover (Trifolium repens) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is described. It can be used during wet weather when spore trapping is ineffective. It requires further development before it can be fully applied to field studies. In the examples cited, spore counts on white clover and rye grass showed similar trends within each of 3 paddocks; no regular relation appeared to exist between green leaf spore count and spore trap count during the sampling period.