Spore germination of blight pathogen

Abstract

Influence of physical factors and substrates on conidial germination of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke)  blight pathogen (Curvularia penniseti (Mitra) Boedijn) was investigated. Though conidial germination was noticed in wide ranges of temperature, pH and relative humidity, maximum germination occurred at 30°C, pH 6.5 and 100 per cent R H. Washing of conidia upto six cycles (centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes at each cycle) did not cause significant increase or decrease in their germination. Of the two substrates tested, germination was always higher on glass slides than on pearl millet leaf segment.