Ascochyta paspali, a fungal parasite ofPaspalum dilatatum

Abstract

The Coelomycete fungus Ascochyta paspali (H. Sydow) Punith., causing leaf stripe disease of Paspalum dilatatum Poir., is described in New Zealand. The disease is widespread in the northern half of the North Island. Leaf lesions are elongate and light brown to greyish brown. The fungus, sporulating within lesions, produces pale brown, 1(-3) septate, phialidic conidia. In culture microconidia are also produced. Some fungal isolates exhibit the phenomenon of rapid ‘point growth’.