Effects of temperature and photoperiod on germination and germ tube development of dikaryotic stages of Pileolaria terebinthi

Abstract

The germination and germ tube development of urediospores, aeciospores and teliospores of Pileolaria terebinthi, the causal agent of Pistacia spp. rust, were investigated under different temperature and light conditions. The urediospores and aeciospores germinated in a range of 10–30°C, the optimum being 25–30°C. Both spore types died after 24 h exposure at 35°C. Incubation at -5°C for 24 h caused a significant decrease in spore germinability and germ tube growth. A significant increase in germination and germ tube growth was observed in the dark. Teliospores germinated well in a range of 15–30°C. Differentiation of basidia occurred at 20–25°C. Optimum temperature for teliospore germination and basidium differentiation was found to be 20°C. The maximum differentiation of basidia was observed in short day exposures (0.5 h light/23.5 h dark). No basidia differentiated under continuous fluorescent illumination.