Reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to different strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians

Lettuce bacterial leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians is an aggressive disease that is difficult to control. So far there are no reports of the reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to different isolates of the bacteria. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the aggressiveness of X. campestris pv. vitians, as well as the reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to bacterial spot. Two experiments were performed in two distinct seasons (winter and summer), in greenhouse at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). The experimental design in both experiments was a randomized block design, in a factor scheme of 5 × 4 (five genotypes and four strains), with four repetitions. Were evaluated the severity and the area under the disease progress curve. In general, the biofortified lettuce 'Uberlândia 10000' was more resistant to most bacterial strains in the summer cultivation, and in the winter period UFU 'Crespa 206'. The commercial cultivar Robusta was the most susceptible to the strains during both seasons. The UFU E125 strain was the most aggressive for most genotypes in both seasons.

Serological and Molecular Detection of Latent Viruses in the Apple Germplasm Bank of Santa Catarina

Abstract The Apple Germplasm Bank (AGB) of Santa Catarina Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company - Epagri, AGB-Epagri, is the largest of the genus Malus in Brazil. Twenty-eight main accessions of this bank were virus screened through DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR and IC-RT-PCR during two consecutive reproductive cycles, and each accession showed latent mixed infection by at least two species, among ASGV, ASPV and ACLSV. The combined use of diagnostic methods helped overcome inconsistencies commonly found in apple virus detection and was shown essential for the AGB-Epagri can be safely used as a source of genetic variability and for the exchange of virus-free propagative material.

Characterization of Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola causing bacterial leaf spot of grapes in Maharashtra, India

Aim: The aim of the present study was to isolate, characterize and identify pathogenic bacteria from bacterial leaf spot infected grape vineyards of Maharashtra. Methodology: Collected diseased samples were subjected to isolation. All isolates were further subjected to different morphological and biochemical characterization. These isolates were also used to standardize inoculation methods to study host range and test pathogenicity to confirm infectivity. Genomic DNA was isolated from bacteria for phylogeneitc analysis using 16 rDNA. Results: The disease is characterized by water soaked, angular leaf spot which later turns to irregular, dark brown to black necrotic region on the leaf surface. Microbial studies confirmed that it is a Gram negative, rod shaped bacterium with white, mucoid, glistening and convex circular colonies on artificial medium. Pathogenicity test was performed to confirm virulence. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA gene exhibited more than 99% similarity with other Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola. The bacterium was found resistant to vancomycin, peniciliin and oxacillin antibiotics. The bacterium is also capable of infecting Mangifera indica and Citrus limon along with eight weed species.

Integrated Control against Rice Blast and Leaf Spot by Trichoderma harzianum and Two Fungicides

Integrated pest management is performed at intervals of 10 days, during all the season of rice cultivation, by the application of Trichoderma harzianum at a concentration of 108 spores/ml, in alternation with the mancozeb at 1000 ppm against rice blast and rice leaf spot and the pyrazophos at 750 ppm against blast. The assessment of symptoms is performed at the beginning of the panicles appearance, by estimating the incidence of the disease and the symptoms severity. Thus, at the end of treatment programs, the alternation of pyrazophos and T. harzianum reduced blast at a rate similar to that noted when pyrazophos is used alone (i.e. respectively 90.5 and 89.1%). This percentage is better than that recorded following treatment by T. harzianum alone (78.4%). Mancozeb alternated with T. harzianum reduced blast at a rate of (83.49%) compared with the fungicide or the antagonist alone (77 and 78.4%). The application of mancozeb alone reduced the leaf spot at a rate similar to that noted following its alternation with T. harzianum (79.2 and 75.64%) and better than that obtained after treatment with T. harzianum alone (69.5%).

Morphology and Molecular Characterization of Alternaria argyranthemi on Chrysanthemum coronarium in China

Chrysanthemum coronarium is an economically important plant in Asia, and used medicinally, ornamentally and as a vegetable. In April 2017, leaf spot disease on C. coronarium was observed in Shiyan, Hubei, China. A single-spore isolate was obtained and identified based on morphology and sequence analysis using four regions (rDNA ITS, GAPDH, EF-1α, and RPB2). The results indicated that the fungus is Alternaria argyranthemi. The pathogenicity tests revealed that the species could cause severe leaf spot and blight disease on the host. This is the first report of leaf spot disease on C. coronarium caused by A. argyranthemi in the world, which is also a new record of Alternaria species in China.

Identification and Characterization of Pseudocercospora pyricola Causing Leaf Spots on Aronia melanocarpa

Leaf spot disease on black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) was observed at several locations in Korea during 2014–2015. Leaf spots were distinct, scattered over the leaf surface and along the leaf border, subcircular to irregular and brown surrounded by a distinct dark color, and were expanded and coalesced into irregularly shaped lesions. Severely infected leaves became dry and fell off eventually. The causative agent was identified as Pseudocercospora pyricola. Morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of multiple genes, including internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor 1-alpha, actin, and the large subunit ribosomal DNA were conducted. The pathogenicity test was conducted twice yielding similar results, fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report on P. pyricola infection of A. melanocarpa globally.

Identification and Characterization of Cercospora malayensis Causing Leaf Spot on Kenaf

In September 2013 and 2014, a significant number of kenaf plants showing symptoms of leaf spots with approximately 50% incidence were found in experimental plots in Iksan and Namwon, Korea. Leaf spots were circular to irregular, more or less vein-limited, reaching to 10 mm in diameter. The spots were initially uniformly brown to reddish brown, turning pale brown with a purplish margin and showing grayish patches on the lesion due to heavy fructification. The causative agent of the leaf spot disease was identified as Cercospora malayensis. The pathogenicity test was conducted with similar results, which fulfilled Koch's postulates. This is the first report of C. malayensis infection of kenaf in Korea.

First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria tenuissima on Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) in Korea

In July 2015, diseased leaves of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) were observed in Danyang and Gochang, Korea. The symptoms appeared as circular or irregular brown leaf spots, from which Alternaria tenuissima was isolated. The isolates were cultured on potato dextrose agar, and their morphological characteristics were observed under a light microscope. The colonies were whitish to ash colored. The pathogenicity test on healthy black chokeberry leaves produced circular brown spots, in line with the original symptoms. Molecular analyses of the ITS, GPD, RPB2, and TEF genes were conducted to confirm the identity of the pathogen. The phylogeny of the multi-gene sequences indicated that the causal agent was A. tenuissima. This study is the first report of A. tenuissima leaf spot on black chokeberry (A. melanocarpa).

Incompatibilidade de enxertia induz aumento da suscetibilidade de cultivares de pessegueiro à Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Pruni / Graft incompatibility induces susceptibility increase of peach cultivars to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Pruni

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a compatibilidade de enxertia, a suscetibilidade à bacteriose e a frutificação de oito combinações, assim como, a influência da compatibilidade sobre a severidade da doença e a frutificação do pessegueiro. O experimento foi realizado ao nível de campo, sob infecção natural da bactéria, no Centro Agropecuário da Palma, pertencente à FAEM/UFPel, em Capão do Leão-RS. Foram avaliadas as combinações entre as cultivares 'Chimarrita' e Maciel e os porta-enxertos 'Aldrighi', 'Capdeboscq', 'Tsukuba 1' e 'Umezeiro'. O pomar foi implantado em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, sendo cada unidade experimental composta de cinco plantas. Foi avaliada, a compatibilidade de enxertia, o diâmetro do caule, a severidade de dano e o índice de doença, a área foliar e a frutificação. As combinações entre as cultivares 'Chimarrita' e 'Maciel' e o porta-enxerto 'Umezeiro', apresentaram menor compatibilidade de enxertia, maior severidade de dano e índice de bacteriose, além de menor frutificação que as demais. Os resultados obtidos possibilitaram concluir que as combinações 'Chimarrita'/'Umezeiro' e 'Maciel'/'Umezeiro' são incompatíveis, além de, mais suscetíveis à bacteriose e menos produtivas, comparadas às demais. Pode-se dizer também, que a incompatibilidade de enxertia induz maior suscetibilidade das plantas à infecção por bacteriose, resultando em maior severidade da doença e menor frutificação.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft compatibility, susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot and fruiting on eight combinations, as well as the influence of graft compatibility in the severity of the disease and fruiting. The research was conducted at the field under natural bacterial infection, in the Agricultural Center of Palma, belonging to the FAEM/UFPel, in Capão do Leão-RS. It was evaluated the combinations composed by grafting among the 'Chimarrita' and 'Maciel' cultivars and the rootstocks 'Aldrighi', 'Capdeboscq', 'Tsukuba 1' and 'Umezeiro'. The orchard was implanted in a randomized block design with four replications, each experimental unit composed of five plants. The graft compatibility, stem diameter, injury severity, disease index, leaf area and fruiting were evaluated. The combinations between 'Chimarrita' and 'Maciel' cultivars and 'Umezeiro' rootstocks showed lower graft compatibility, highest injury severity, disease index, as well as, lower fruiting. The results obtained allow to conclude that 'Chimarrita'/'Umezeiro' and 'Maciel'/ 'Umezeiro' combinations are incompatibles, more susceptible to bacterial leaf spot and less productive compared to the others. Furthermore, the graft incompatibility induces higher susceptibility of plants to bacterial leaf spot infection, resulting in greater disease severity and lower fruiting.

Evaluation of Biological Efficacy of Trichoderma Species Isolates Against Alternaria Leaf Spot Disease of Sesame.

Alternaria leaf spot disease is a major threat to sesame (Sesamum orientale L.) caused by Alternari asesami. Induced resistance is an alternative to systemic disease resistance response of plants. The present study aims to evaluate Trichoderma species efficacy as biocontrol via induction of resistance against A. sesami in sesame species. During in vitro bio control test, T. harzianum colonize and parallely inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogen. Expression of various defence related enzymes observed in sesame induce resistance against the pathogen infection in the host. T. harzianum coupled with inoculation of A. sesami enhance the remarkable induction of defence enzyme such as peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and also the phenolic content compared with the control. The enzyme activity increased from 48 h of sampling and peaked at 72 h and then decreased after 72 h. In greenhouse and field experiments, soil treatment with a powder formulation of T. harzianum two weeks before planting or at the time of planting reduced significantly the incidence of diseases on both the wild and cultivar Thilarani.The results demonstrate that T. harzianumcan be successfully applied as a biological control against Alternaria leaf spot disease in sesame.

Óleo de melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden & Betche, Cheel) no controle de cercosporiose em beterraba / Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden& Betche, Cheel) in control of Cercospora beticola Sacc. on Beet

RESUMO O óleo volátil da melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden & Betche, Cheel) possui atividade antimicrobiana podendo causar efeitos sobre as plantas. Avaliou-se a inibição do óleo em Cercospora beticolaSacc., e seu efeito no aumento da produção e qualidade de raízes de beterraba. As doses foram de 0,13; 0,67; 0,80 e 1,00% do óleo, além das testemunhas composta pelo meio de cultura Batata Dextrose Ágar (BDA) no experimento in vitro, e água no experimento in vivo. As plantas foram pulverizadas duas vezes por semana. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com 4 repetições, e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. O índice de infecção das folhas foi determinado por escala diagramática além do peso e diâmetro das raízes. Os resultados de inibição do crescimento micelial para as doses do óleo foram 0; 56; 87; 83 e 99%, e os índices de infecção: 77,08; 35,62; 21,04; 19,37 e 20,00%, respectivamente, para a testemunha e as doses 0,13; 0,67; 0,80 e 1,00% do óleo. Somente na concentração de 0,80% o óleo proporcionou relação positiva entre o ganho de peso e o diâmetro das raízes. O óleo de Melaleuca foi eficaz no controle de C. beticola e, como consequência, houve produção de raízes de beterraba com melhor desenvolvimento.

ABSTRACT The volatile oil from Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden & Betche Cheel.) has antimicrobial properties and can promote several effects on plant cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of the oil in Cercospora beticola Sacc. and if it favors the growth and development of beet root. The doses were 0.13, 0.67, 0.8 and 1% of oil, besides the control PDA (potato-dextrose-agar) in vitro (laboratory condition) and with water as treatment control in vivo (field conditions). The plants were sprayed twice a week. The treatments were completely randomized and the averages were compared using the Tukey test at 5%. The infection rate of leaves was measured by diagrammatic scale besides the weight and diameter of tubers. The inhibition results of the radial growth by oil treatments were 0; 56, 87, 83 and 99%, while the infection rate showed: 77.08, 35.62, 21.04, 19.37 and 20% respectively to the control and to the oil concentration of 0,13; 0,67; 0,80 e 1,00%. Only at concentration of 0.8% the tea tree oil showed a positive relationship between tuber´s weight and tuber´s diameter gains. It can be concluded that tea tree oil is effective to controlling C. beticola, and also promotes an increase on development in beet tubers.

First Report of Fusarium subglutinans Causing Leaf Spot Disease on Cymbidium Orchids in Korea

In 2006~2010, leaf spot symptoms, that is, small, yellow spots that turned into dark brown-to-black lesions surrounded by a yellow halo, were observed on Cymbidium spp. in Gongju, Taean, and Gapyeong in Korea. A Fusarium species was continuously isolated from symptomatic leaves; in pathogenicity testing, isolates caused leaf spot symptoms consisting of sunken, dark brown lesions similar to the original ones. The causal pathogen was identified as Fusarium subglutinans based on morphological and translation elongation factor 1-alpha sequence analyses. This is the first report of F. subglutinans as the cause of leaf spot disease in Cymbidium spp. in Korea.

Avaliação de bactérias endofíticas para o controle biológico da mancha foliar de Exserohilum turcicum em milho / Assessing of endophytic bacteria for biological control of northern corn leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum)

A eficácia de nove isolados de bactérias endofíticas foi avaliada no biocontrole da mancha foliar de Exserohilum turcicum, pela microbiolização das sementes e da parte aérea do milho híbrido AS-1548 (72 e 24 horas antes e no mesmo dia da inoculação do patógeno) em condições de casa de vegetação. Verificou-se que Bacillus subtilis 0G, Bacillus lentimorbus, Streptomyces sp. e Bacillus agaradhaerens se destacaram dos demais, quando aplicados na parte aérea, em todos os intervalos testados, com um controle na ordem de 42 a 61%. Quando as bactérias foram aplicadas nas sementes, Bacillus lentimorbus, Streptomyces sp., Ewingella americana e Xanthomonas axonopodis foram os mais eficientes, com um controle entre 37 e 59%.(AU)

The efficacy of nine endophytic bacterial strains was evaluated on biocontrol of northern corn leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum), by microbiolization of seeds and aerial parts of maize, hybrid AS-1548 (72 and 24 hours before and at same day of the pathogen inoculation) in greenhouse conditions. It was found that Bacillus subtilis 0G, Bacillus lentimorbus, Streptomyces sp. and Bacillus agaradhaerens highlighted from the others, when applied on aerial parts of maize, in all intervals tested, presenting control in order of 42 to 61%. When the bacteria were applied on seeds, Bacillus lentimorbus, Streptomyces sp., Ewingella americana and Xanthomonas axonopodis showed more efficiency, presenting control between 37 and 59%.(AU)

First Record of Alternaria simsimi Causing Leaf Spot on Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in Korea

Leaf spot disease was observed in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) during 2009 and 2010 in Korea. The pathogen was identified as Alternaria simsimi based on morphological and cultural characteristics. The morphological identification was well supported by phylogenetic analysis of the ribosomal DNA-internal transcribed spacer region. A. simsimi isolates caused spot symptoms on leaves and stems of sesame plants 2 wk after artificial inoculation, which were similar to those observed in the field. This is the first record of leaf spot disease in Korea caused by A. simsimi.

Identificação de QTLS associados à resistência parcial à mancha branca do milho / Identification of partial resistance from QTLS to maize white spot

O milho é um dos cereais mais importantes cultivados no mundo, porém, fatores como as doenças podem ocasionar decréscimos no rendimento de grãos. A mancha branca, causada por um complexo de patógenos, está entre as principais doenças desta cultura e pode ocasionar perdas de cerca de 60 %. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivos estimar parâmetros genéticos, identificar e mapear QTLs associados à resistência à mancha branca do milho, visando o desenvolvimento de genótipos resistentes à doença. Noventa e oito famílias F2:3 do cruzamento entre as linhagens BS01 (suscetível) e BS02 (resistente) e 90 famílias F2:3 do cruzamento entre BS03 (suscetível) e BS04 (resistente) foram conduzidas a campo em três ambientes. As herdabilidades variaram de 82,3 % a 86,2 % nos locais avaliados para a população 1. Para a população 2 a herdabilidade variou de 76 % a 86,6 %. Na análise conjunta para a resistência nas duas populações, efeitos entre pais e entre progênies foram significativos, assim como a interação de progênies e local, indicando que uma família superior em um local não será obrigatoriamente superior em outro local. Dos QTLs testados nas populações 1 e 2, foram encontrados marcadores que expressaram até 25% da variância fenotípica nos grupos de ligação 1, 3, 6 e 9. Assim, estes dados em conjunto demonstram a possibilidade de seleção assistida, para a resistência à mancha branca do milho, nas gerações iniciais com o uso dos marcadores moleculares estudados.

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world; however, diseases, among other factors, may drastically reduce its grain yield. The white spot disease, caused by a complex of pathogens, is one of the most important syndromes affecting maize, causing losses of up to 60%. Thus, this study aimed to estimate heritability, to identify and to map QTLs associated with resistance to white spot in maize. Ninety-eight F2:3 families from a cross between lines BS01 (susceptible) and BS02 (resistant) and ninety F2:3 families from a cross between BS03 (susceptible) and BS04 (resistant) were evaluated in a lattice square (10x10) experimental design in three environments. Heritability estimations ranged from 82.3% to 86.2% in population 1, and from 76% to 86.6% in population 2. A joint analysis of both populations showed significant effects among parents and progenies, so it did for the interactions of locations and progenies. It means that a specific family may not show the same performance for resistance to white spot across different environments. QTLs for resistance to white spot were found in the linkage groups 1, 3, 6 and 9 in both populations. These QTLs explained up to 25% of the total phenotypic variation for the studied trait. Combined, these data confirm the possibility of marker assisted selection for resistance to maize white spot in early generations.

Diversidade genética de isolados de Mycosphaerella musicola obtidos de bananais do norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil por meio de marcadores RAPD / Genetic diversity of Mycosphaerella musicola isolates obtained from bananas of north of Minas Gerais, Brazil by using RAPD markers

Onze primers RAPD foram utilizados para avaliar a variabilidade genética de 31 isolados de M. musicola coletados a partir de folhas de bananeiras 'Prata Anã' e 'Nanica', cultivadas no Norte de Minas Gerais. Foram amplificados um total de 83 bandas sendo 73 polimórficas, dando uma média de 6,6 bandas polimórficas por primer. As distâncias genéticas observadas variaram de 0,56 a 0,06 entre os isolados, com distância média de 0,25. O dendrograma construído com base no método UPGMA revelou a formação de 8 grupos, não sendo observada correlação entre a diversidade genética dos isolados e as origens geográficas dos isolados avaliados.

Eleven primers RAPD were used to estimate the genetic variability between 31 isolates of M. musicola collected from 'PrataAnã' and Nanica bananas that were cultivated in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total o 83 fragments were amplified, of which 73 were polymorphic, corresponding to an average of 6.6 polymorphic fragments per primer. The genetic distances ranged from 0.06 to 0.56 and the average distance of 0.21. A dendrogram constructed based on the UPGMA clustering method revealed 8 and no correlation between molecular grouping and geographical origin was observed.

Patogenesia do óleo essencial e homeopatias de Eucalyptus citriodora em plantas de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris) / Pathogenesis of essential oil and homeopathies of Eucalyptus citriodora in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris)

A homeopatia baseia-se no princípio da cura pelos semelhantes, e na experimentação no indivíduo sadio, doses mínimas e medicamento único. O uso de tratamentos a base de soluções dinamizadas aplicadas em vegetais aumentou nas ultimas décadas, sendo assim necessária a experimentação patogenésica para aplicação de todos os princípios homeopáticos e consolidação da Matéria Vegetal Homeopática. O ensaio patogenésico com plantas de feijão tratadas diariamente via pulverização e irrigação utilizando óleo essencial de Eucalyptus citriodora em diluições (0,5 e 1%) e dinamizados (12 e 30CH) revelaram sintomas externos semelhantes aos provocados por Pseudocercospora griseola, agente causal da mancha angular em feijoeiro. O estudo patogenésico com E. citriodora levanta a possibilidade deste ser utilizado no controle da mancha angular de acordo com o princípio homeopático da cura pela similitude.

Homeopathy is based on the principle of cure by similarity and on the prescription of minimal doses and single medicine to healthy individuals. In plants, performing treatments on the basis of drug dynamisation has increased in the recent decades. In these treatments, it is necessary to conduct a pathogenetic experimentation in order to apply homeopathic principles and to consolidate homeopathic plant material. Through a pathogenetic test with bean plants treated daily by pulverization and irrigation, using diluted and dynamized essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora - (dilutions: 0.5 and 1%) (oil dynamisation: 12 and 30CH) -, there appeared external symptoms similar to those symptoms caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, i.e., the causal agent of angular leaf spot of bean. The pathogenetics study with E. citriodora raises the possibility of its application to control angular leaf spot in bean plants in accordance with the homeopathic principle of cure by similarity.

Leaf Spot and Stem Rot on Wilford Swallowwort Caused by Stemphylium lycopersici in Korea

In June 2012, leaf spot and stem rot were observed on Wilford Swallowwort plants grown in Cheonan, Korea. Three fungal isolates obtained from the diseased leaves and stems were identified as Stemphylium lycopersici, based on morphological, cultural, and molecular characteristics and pathogenicity. This is the first report of leaf spot and stem rot on Wilford Swallowwort caused by S. lycopersici.

Escala diagramática para avaliação de severidade de mancha-parda em arroz / Diagrammatic scale for assessment of rice brown spot severity

Uma escala diagramática com seis níveis: 1,6; 3,2; 6,4; 12,6; 23,1 e 38,6 por cento foi desenvolvida e validada para quantificar a severidade da mancha-parda em arroz causada por Bipolaris oryzae. A escala considerou o limite de severidade máxima da doença observado no campo, e os níveis intermediários seguiram incrementos logarítmicos, obedecendo-se à "Lei do estímulo de Weber-Fechner". Inicialmente, a estimativa da severidade foi realizada sem auxílio da escala, em 30 folhas com diferentes níveis de severidade, por oito indivíduos, sem experiência na avaliação de doenças. Em seguida, os mesmos avaliadores utilizaram a escala diagramática proposta. As avaliações com a escala diagramática foram mais precisas e acuradas nas estimativas de todos os avaliadores, não ocorrendo erro sistemático na superestimativa ou subestimativa da doença entre estes. A escala diagramática proposta foi considerada adequada para estimar a severidade da mancha-parda em arroz.

A diagrammatic scale with six levels of disease severity: 1.6; 3.2; 6.4; 12.6; 23.1 and 38.6 percent was developed and validated to assess rice brown spot, caused by Bipolaris oryzae. The scale was developed considering the maximum limit of disease severity observed in the field and the intermediate values followed logarithmic increases according to the "Stimulus Law by Weber-Fechner". Initially, the estimatives of severity were performed without the use of the scale in 30 leaves with different levels of severity by eight people without previous experience in assessing diseases severity. Then, the same people estimated the severity of leaves using the proposed diagrammatic scale. Assessments with the diagrammatic scale were of great precision for all raters and did not presented systematic errors in over- or underestimating the disease severity. The proposed diagrammatic scale was considered adequate to estimate rice brown spot severity.

Leaf Spot of Yam Caused by Pseudophloeosporella dioscoreae in Korea

Leaf spot symptoms were frequently observed on yam plants grown in the Yeoju area in Korea during a disease survey in 2008. A total of five isolates of Pseudophloeosporella sp. were obtained from the infected leaves of yam plants. All of the isolates were identified as Pseudophloeosporella dioscoreae based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. A phylogenetic tree derived from the internal transcribed spacer sequences of the fungal isolates showed that the fungus is distinctly separated from species in other related genera. P. dioscoreae isolates caused very tiny spots on leaves of yam plants two weeks after artificial inoculation which were similar to those observed in the field. This is the first report that Pseudophloeosporella dioscoreae causes leaf spot in yams in Korea.