The production and release of ascospores of Pyrenopeziza brassicae on oilseed rape

The results of observation for three seasons in oilseed rape crops of the production and release of ascopores of Pyrenopeziza brassicae, the cause of light leaf spot disease of brassicas, are presented. Large apothecia (1–2 mm in diameter) take at least 3 weeks to develop on leaf petioles after infected leaves die, but small apothecia (50–200 um) may form on leaf lamellae after about 15 days. Apothecia were found on all 12 oilseed rape varieties examined. Spore trapping experiments in infected crops show that ascospore release is associated with rain, but most ascospores are released after rainfall when the crop debris bearing apothecia are wet. Ascospores can be released for up to 5 days after rain. Laboratory measurements show that apothecia can continue to release ascospores for up to 3 weeks even when they are subjected to wet and dry cycles. The consequences of the widespread occurrence of the sexual stage of P. brassicae are discussed and possible cycles of disease and spore production in oilseed crops are suggested.