Leptosphaeria diseases of oilseed rape and swede : Identification and epidemiology

Abstract

Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa cause stem canker and dry rot disease on brassica crops. Although the disease has been reported to be present in New Zealand brassica cropping areas a comprehensive assessment of the causal agent and epidemiology has not been carried out. The aim of this study was to determine the causal agent(s) and to investigate the epidemiology under New Zealand conditions.