Differential Effect of Light on Spore Germination ofExserohilum turcicumon Corn Leaves and Corn Leaf Impressions

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Abstract
The effect of light on spore germination of E. turcicum was investigated in vitro on collodion corn leaf impressions and in vivo on leaf surfaces of suceptible corn plants. On collodion impressions, the percentage spore germination under light at a photon flux density of 150 .mu.E [Einstein] .cntdot. m-2 .cntdot. s-1 was the same as in darkness. On host leaf surfaces, light at a photon flux density of 150 .mu.E .cntdot. m-2 .cntdot. s-1 inhibited spore germination by 85% (at 20.degree. C) compared to the dark control. Blue light was more inhibitory than red light to spore germination in vivo. Inhibition under light persisted in the presence of dichlorophenyldimethylurea, a photosynthesis inhibitor. As a result of the inhibition of spore germination, no infection occurred on leaves irradiated during the wet infection period. Light probably inhibited spore germination on the leaf surface indirectly by some physiological change in the host.

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