Formation of ascochitine by plant pathogens of the genus Ascochyta

Strains of fungi isolated from pulse crops: pea (Pisum sativum) and faba beans (Vicia faba) plants with symptoms of Ascochyta blight, footrot and stems lesions have been examined under laboratory conditions for their ability to produce ascochitine and metabolites toxic toArtemia salina. BothAscochyta pisi Lib and Ascochyta fabae LK Jones isolates formed ascochitine in yields of 20–480mg/kg. The highest yield of ascochitine was produced on rice and the lowest on maize grain. Ascochyta pinodes andPhoma medicaginis varpinodella (LK Jones) Boerema (formerlyAscochyta pinodella LK Jones) did not produce ascochitine. Crystalline ascochitine was found to be of moderate toxicity toArtemia salina larvae (LC₅₀ = 85μg/cm³BSM*). Extracts ofPhoma medicaginis var,pinodella cultures were found to be highly toxic toArtemia salina.