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An Improved Technique for Inoculating Plant Surfaces with Fungal Zoospores. Catalina M. Montecillo, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907; Charles E. Bracker(2), and Donald M. Huber(3). (2)(3)Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Phytopathology 72:403-406. Accepted for publication 8 June 1981. Copyright 1982 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-72-403.

Infection of bean leaves by zoospores of Synchytrium macrosporum was enhanced by Gelgard, a highly cross-linked hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel mixed with the inoculum. Infection loci were more uniformly distributed and occurred at a higher frequency on the leaf surface when Gelgard was added. The gel restricted zoospore motion, shortened their swimming time, and held the inoculum in place on the plant surfaces. Gelgard or other similar materials that maintain moisture near infection sites and prevent zoospores from being washed off the plant surface should prove useful for enhancing infection by zoosporic fungi.