Ascochyta in Lentils
Depending on the weather conditions, yield losses can be extremely high. Infected lentils are likely to appear shriveled and discolored and this will reduce the seed grade.
Symptoms: Lesions will start off as small brown spots that will enlarge and fade into a tan color with a darker margin. Usually when lesions girdle the stem, the growth above the lesions usually does not wilt. Pycnidia (tiny, black fruiting bodies) will be speckled on the centres of the lesions. Premature leaflet drop and stem dieback will occur during heavy infestations of ascochyta. Infected pods may lead into seed infections and discoloration.
Disease Cycle: Ascochyta is seed and stubble borne.
Symptoms: Lesions will start off as small brown spots that will enlarge and fade into a tan color with a darker margin. Usually when lesions girdle the stem, the growth above the lesions usually does not wilt. Pycnidia (tiny, black fruiting bodies) will be speckled on the centres of the lesions. Premature leaflet drop and stem dieback will occur during heavy infestations of ascochyta. Infected pods may lead into seed infections and discoloration.
Disease Cycle: Ascochyta is seed and stubble borne.