VIEW ARTICLE

Benomyl-Induced Growth of Ustilago striiformis in vitro. Philip W. Robinson, Graduate Research Assistant, Iowa State University, Ames 50010; Clinton F. Hodges, Associate Professor of Horticulture and Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames 50010. Phytopathology 63:1074-1075. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-63-1074.

Ustilago striiformis grown in vitro on media containing benomyl at 2 × 10^–7 to 2 × 10^–4 M produced dry matter in excess of controls. Greater concentrations prevented or inhibited growth. Previous research has shown that dry-matter production of stripe-smutted Agrostis palustris increases following applications of benomyl. The present study suggests that concentrations of benomyl which stimulate growth of U. striiformis might temporarily exist in treated plants and that the pathogen, prior to its eradication, might briefly stimulate the growth of A. palustris.