Fungal pathogens of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in Serbia.

Abstract

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) is a species adapted to field conditions in the most important livestock production region in the all continents and constitutes a very valuable forage species. It has a high ability to utilize nutrients and has very modest demands on the conditions of its growth. The roots of birdsfoot trefoil are associated with bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen and, thusly, its populations increase the availability of nitrogen in the soil. This species often forms dense, fibrous root networks that reduce soil erosion. Isolation of the pathogen was done from the leaves and roots. Black leaf spots were observed on birdsfoot trefoil in field plots in Serbia. These spots were circular to irregular. Single lesions often coalesced to form larger lesions and became dark brown. On the roots systems of a large number of plants birdsfoot trefoil symptoms of light to dark brown necrosis and discoloration of conductive tissues were observed. There has not been a systematic research of birdsfoot trefoil mycoflora in Serbia. This research aims to present the results of preliminary research of mycopopulation of 12 different genotypes of birdsfoot trefoil. Total of 480 plant parts have been examined and 7 genera of fungi were isolated: Alternaria, Fusarium, Phythophthora, Mucor, Sclerotinia, Bipolaris and Rhizoctonia. Considering the importance of birdsfoot trefoil as a fodder crop in Serbia, the aim of this study was to identify phytopathogenic fungi as casual agents of diseases in birdsfoot trefoil for a clearer perception of problems (the extinction of plants, reducing yields, deterioration of the quality of feed and others) arising as a result of the presence of those fungi.