Systemic growth of Ascochyta paspali in paspalum

Abstract

Mycelium of Ascochyta paspali can grow systemically in xylem vessels of roots leaves and inflorescences of paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum). Symptoms of leaf stripe disease occur only on a proportion of the leaves that are infected. The fungus occurs in the host throughout the year, both as a pathogen and as an endophyte. No teleomorph has been found. Host infection by conidia, and seedborne dispersal of the fungus, are discussed.