Seed samples were collected from 15 commercial tall fescue seed production fields and examined for Fusarium spp. The percentage of seeds from which Fusarium spp. were recovered ranged from 0 to 32%, while disinfesting seeds with 3% hydrogen peroxide reduced the recovery of Fusarium to 7% or less. The predominant Fusarium spp. isolated from the tall fescue seeds included F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. pseudograminearum, and F. sambucinum. Greenhouse inoculations of tall fescue panicles with F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, and F. pseudograminearum resulted in higher seedborne rates of each respective Fusarium sp. than that recovered from noninoculated plants. Seeds recovered from panicles treated with F. avenaceum or F. pseudograminearum had significantly lower germination rates relative to panicles sprayed with water or a suspension of F. culmorum. Our work confirms that Fusarium spp. decrease seed germination and expands the pathogen list to include F. avenaceum and F. pseudograminearum. Accepted for publication 17 February 2004. Published 19 March 2004.
Different Modes of Hydrogen Peroxide Action During Seed Germination
