Geographical distribution and incidence of orchardgrass choke, caused by Epichloe typhina, in Oregon

A 1998 survey was conducted in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, the major U.S production area for orchardgrass seed, to determine the extent and severity of choke disease in Dactylis glomerata. This disease is a severe constraint to orchardgrass seed production in other parts of the world, but was unknown in Oregon prior to 1997. Thirty-seven fields, representing 27 cultivars and the geographical extent of production in the Willamette Valley, were selected from a list of fields registered for certification. Choke was found in 26 (70%) of the fields, and disease incidence ranged from 10%. In a survey of 16 fields located within 3.5 km of the 1997 discovery, choke was found in 14 fields, of which three had incidences >20%. Increase in disease incidence between 1997 and 1998 ranged from 2.1- to 3.3-fold in the three fields where disease increase was measured. One year after its presence was confirmed in Oregon, choke disease of orchardgrass is well-established throughout the orchardgrass seed producing region at damaging levels and is apparently able to increase and spread under the prevailing climatic and cultural conditions.