Diseases

Leaf spots of red fescue

Festuca rubra L.

A complex disease of red fescue caused by fungi of the genera Bipolaris, Drechslera, Cochliobolus, Curvularia, and Leptosphaerulinia, resulting in the appearance of spots on leaf blades and stand degradation.

In the reference 43 varieties crop Red fescue, where this is mentioned in the description.

The pathogens responsible for leaf spots in red fescue include species of the genera Bipolaris and Drechslera, including Bipolaris sorokiniana, as well as Cochliobolus sativus. Fungi of the genera Curvularia and Leptosphaerulinia also participate in tissue damage, often developing as secondary pathogens on weakened plants.

Symptoms manifest as spots on the leaves, ranging in color from dark purple and brown to straw-colored, often with a distinct light center and a dark border. Pathogen development under conditions of high humidity and heat leads to discoloration, leaf wilting, and thinning of the stand.

Resistance of red fescue to these diseases is quantitative in nature. Breeding programs do not utilize marker genes for resistance; instead, selection is based on the assessment of disease severity within plant populations.

General information about the subject — on the page Leaf spot diseases.

Sources8

Varieties of Red fescue mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.