Modelling some aspects of the monocyclic phase of Stemphylium vesicarium, the pathogen causing purple spot on asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)

The monocyclic phase of Stemphylium vesicarium is part of its life cycle and a possible factor for forecasting and the integrated control of purple spot on asparagus. The purpose of the study was to model the flight, germination and germ tube growth of ascospores as basis for the development of a forecasting system. During 2014–2016, the flight period was determined by spore traps. The ascospores flew between March and early July, but most were released in early May. The cumulative percentage of trapped ascospores depending on the daily summed temperature (base 5 °C) on rainy days starting from February 1st was described best by a Chapman Richards function. The germination and germ tube length of ascospores depending on leaf wetness duration and temperature were investigated in laboratory trials. Ascospores germinated rapidly in a wide temperature range. The fitted Chapman Richards function with a temperature-dependent capacity and rate described germination adequately with a calculated optimal temperature of 31.0 °C. The germ tube length was modelled by a combined generalised beta-linear function and it was optimal at 30.4 °C with a narrow temperature range of 25–35 °C for values close to the optimum length. Therefore, the infection process is restricted more severely by the germ tube length than by germination. The ascospore flight is often finished before the end of the harvest, so fungicide treatments during the monocyclic phase might be ineffective in many production sites in Germany. The situation could be different for shorter harvest periods and in non-harvested young plants.