Foliar Diseases of Alfalfa in Egypt. H. I. Seif El-Nasr, Research Plant Pathologist, Plant Protection Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Dokki, Egypt. K. T. Leath, Research Plant Pathologist, U.S. Regional Pasture Research Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802. Plant Dis. 67:694-695. Accepted for publication 1 February 1983. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1983. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-694.

A survey was made from October 1977 through May 1981 in several regions of Egypt to determine the incidence and severity of leaf and stem diseases of alfalfa. Rust (Uromyces striatus), common leaf spot (Pseudopeziza medicaginis), and Stemphylium leaf spots (Stemphylium botryosum, S. vesicarium, and S. globuliferum) were the most severe disease problems. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe sp.), downy mildew (Peronospora trifoliorum), black stem and leaf spot (Cercospora zebrina), and viruses were of lesser importance. Foliar diseases were more prevalent and severe in northern Egypt than in the south. Peak disease periods varied with specific diseases, location, and weather conditions.