Research on the biology of septoria leaf spot pathogen [Zymoseptoria tritici (Desm.) Quaedvlieg&Crous], the epidemiology of the disease, and the formation of the prediction-early warning system in Çukurova

This study was conducted on the biology and epidemiology of wheat Septoria Leaf Spot Disease Zymoseptoria tritici and the best in vitro mycelial growth occurred in MEA, MYA and YMDA media at 20 ºC. On the other hand, spore formation was highest at 15 ºC in PDA medium. As the temperature increased, spore formation decreased. Spore germination reached 92.9% after 36 hours at 20 ºC. Continuous NUV light and continuous dark conditions enhanced mycelial development. On the other hand, spore formation reached its maximum level under 12s NUV+12s white light conditions. Spore germination was promoted in the same light combination and continuous NUV light. Penetration of Z. tritici into wheat leaves did not differ at incubation temperatures of 15-30 ºC, with leaf wetness times of 4-8 hours. However, penetration and symptom development were better at 15 ºC and 20 ⁰C temperatures, and the increase in temperature decreased the occurrence of disease. In the disease emergency field controls, in the 2017-2018 production period, although the disease emergence in Hacıali is much later than in Mercimek; the disease severity was as high as 60.5-75.0% in Hacıali and lower as 25.9% in Mercimek. There was no significant difference between the climatic data in both regions. In the next year, Disease severity showed parallel values in both regions and varied between 42.9-53.0%. It has been observed that in field conditions, first infections can occur in low rainfall conditions or only in the presence of dew.