title: Identification and characterization of pathogenic fungi causing spot disease on rhubarb (Rheum raponticum L.) in the UK.
abstract: This study reports on the acquisition of significant susceptibility of clonal rhubarb, produced by micropropagation, to leaf and petiole spot disease when compared to conventionally propagated material. This alteration in response to pathogens accompanies previously reported reductions in growth rate and poor winter survival. The two fungi isolated from lesions of both leaves and petioles have been identified as Ascochyta rhei and Romularia rhei, the former not previously having been reported in this role. Both fungi are able to cause spot infection of leaves and petioles of the micropropagated material. The effect of temperature on leaf infection from both fungi showed an optimum near 25 degrees C for A. rhei and close to 20 degrees C for R. rhei.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate School, Writtle College, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR, UK.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: B W W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Grout
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Crisp
mesh_terms: D001203:Ascomycota / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000382:microbiology; D012250:Rheum / Q000382:microbiology*; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D006113:United Kingdom