Ascochyta Leaf Spot
Didymella exitialis (Ascochyta tritici)
Pathogen
Fungus
Hosts
Barley, wheat, oats, rye, triticale and grasses
Symptoms
Distinct, round, chlorotic lesions on lower leaves which become diffused and grey-brown, superficially resembling Stagonospora nodorum (leaf and glume blotch).
Development
Disease inoculum arises from infected debris in the soil, the disease is favoured by high humidity and dense crops.
Importance
Not particularly common in the UK but infections are becoming more frequent in other European Countries.
Control
No specific control measures have been devised but procedures that bury infected debris should be partially effective.
