Effect of temperature, relative humidity and light on conidial germination of oak powdery mildew (Microsphaera alphitoides Griff. et Maubl.) under controlled conditions

Abstract

The influence of temperature, humidity and light on the conidial germination and germ tube elongation of oak powdery mildew (Microsphaera alphitoides Griff. et Maubl.) was studied in controlled conditions. The maximal germ tube length was attained at 25°C, whereas at lower and higher than optimal temperatures, germ tube growth was significantly lower. Germ tubes begin to develop at all values of relative humidity (10-100%), reaching the maximum length at 90%. The development of germ tubes was the most intense in full light and the lowest in total darkness. The artificial infection of floating leaves showed that an increasing age had an inhibitory effect on the mycelium development and spore formation. Since conidia play a crucial role in powdery mildew epidemiology, it is of particular importance to elucidate the influence of environmental factors in the complex relations that exist between the plant and its pathogen.