| Abstract: | Pure cultures of fifty-two species of plant pathogenic and saprophytic fungi isolated from orchard (cock's-foot) grass seed (Dactylis glomerata L.) were incubated either in total darkness or exposed to a diurnal cycle of near-ultraviolet (NUV) radiation (12 h NUV/12 h darkness). Twenty-four species sporulated only after exposure to NUV including seven species of Drechslera, five species of Fusarium, as well as species olAscochyta, Photna, Septoria, Pyrenochaeta, Rhynchophoma and Stagonospora; six species sporulated moderately in darkness but more profusely following exposure to NUV; twenty species sporulated whether they were irradiated or not; and only two species failed to sporulate. To assess the pathogenic fungal microflora of orchard grass seed accurately, seeds should be incubated under a daily regime that includes NUV to induce sporulation. |
