Corrigendum - Humidity, free water and light in relation to development of Kabatiella caulivora (Kirchn.) Karak in Trifolium subterraneum L. cv.Yarloo

Abstract

The effects of moisture conditions on disease development and plant growth were examined in subterranean clover plants which were inoculated with K. caulivora 4 weeks after sowing and were maintained after inoculation at 20°C and with a light intensity of 2000 f.c. In plants which received 100% relative humidity (RH) with free water on leaves, for at least 4 days after inoculation, 15–20% of leaves developed lesions within 11 days. In plants which received continuously 90% RH with free water on leaves, or 100% RH without free water on leaves, less than 1.5% of leaves developed lesions within 11 days. There was no evidence of spread of infection in plants maintained for 11 or 25 days after inoculation.

The effects of light intensities of 2000, 500 and 125 f.c. on disease development and plant growth were examined in plants which received 100% RH with free water on leaves and were grown for 25 days after inoculation, either in simulated swards or in standard pots. In most treatments a reduction in light intensity from 2000 to 500 f.c. reduced the growth of plants but had no effect on the percentage of diseased leaves, whereas a reduction in light intensity from 500 to 125 f.c. reduced growth and increased the percentage of diseased leaves of plants grown in swards from 30 to 70% and in standard pots from 10 to 35%. There were mortalities among both inoculated and control plants grown under 125 f.c. : in swards, 80–90% of inoculated plants and 30–40% of control plants died, whereas in standard pots 20–30% of inoculated plants and only occasional control plants died. The data show that environmental conditions favourable for the development of the disease were unfavourable for growth of control plants.