Effect of leaf age and nitrogen fertilisation on sporulation of crown rust (Puccinia coronata var. lolii) on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Individual leaves of perennial ryegrass cv. Aberystwyth S23 of two leaf ages and at two levels of nitrogen fertilisation were point inoculated with Puccinia coronata f.sp. coronata in a growth chamber. In general, there was no significant difference in the lifespan of inoculated versus control leaves. However, the higher rate of nitrogen extended leaf lifespan more markedly in rusted than in control leaves. Uredospore production varied according to leaf age: colonies on juvenile leaves produced three times as many spores as those on mature leaves.