Further studies on the effects of infection byUstilago bullataon vegetative growth ofBromus catharticus

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Abstract
Effects of infection by Ustilago bullata Berk, on vegetative growth of Bromus catharticus Vahl were further investigated in glasshouse and field experiments. Frequent defoliation (at 1-week intervals) of glasshouse-grown plants reduced the deleterious effects of infection on dry matter yield that were recorded for less frequent defoliation treatments. In the field, infection severely reduced seedling survival and dry matter yield of plants, but quality of leaf material was only slightly affected. Infected plants developed more inflorescences than did healthy plants, and leaf blade deformation symptoms of U. bullata infection were noted. Shoot infection of healthy plants growing in the field was observed.