Effects of temperature and light regime on Corynespora cassiicola and of temperature and of leaf wetness period in development of target spot in barbados cherry

ABSTRACT The objective of this study were: (i) to assess, in vitro , the effect of temperature on mycelial growth (10-35oC) and spores germination (10-45oC); (ii) to evaluate, in vitro¸the effect of the light regime (continuous light, 12 h photoperiod and continuous darkness) on mycelial growth, sporulation and viability of the spores of C. cassiicola ;and (iii) to assess, in vivo,the effect of temperature (20-30oC) and the duration of leaf wetness (4-48 h) in the development of target spot in leaves of barbados cherry. The estimated maximum temperatures for mycelia growth and spore germination were 30 and 29oC, respectively. The light regime did not affect the mycelial growth and spores germination. However, continuous light regime favored the sporulation, and the absence of light during spore production decreased the spore viability. The target spot lesions area in barbados cherry leaves increased with the increment in the temperature up to 30oC. Twelve hours of leaf wetness were necessary for the infection and lesion development of target spot.