Modelling germination and mycelium growth rates of Monostichella coryli under constant temperature conditions

Abstract

Monostichella coryli is the causal agent of the hazelnut anthracnose. The increase in the incidence in hazelnut orchards observed during recent years in Central Italy is increasing the need for information and studies on its biology and ecology, and how environmental factors (e.g., temperature) influence its development. For this purpose, seven isolates from different provenances of M. coryli were studied under controlled laboratory conditions with the goal of laying the foundations of a mathematical model describing key aspects of the pathogen's life cycle. The mycelium growth rate was measured at 6 different constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 °C) and fixed relative humidity (100% RH), while the germination rate of the conidia was evaluated at 8 different constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30 °C). The dataset was subsequently analyzed estimating the parameters of non-linearfunctions which consider the relationship between the mycelium growth rate and the germination of the spores with environmental temperature. The set of parameters provided as the result of this study constitutes a key step forward in the biological knowledge of the species and the basis for future formulations of mathematical models to be used as decision support systems in an integrated pest management framework.