Inoculation methods of Pseudopeziza medicaginis and infection pathway by scanning slectron microscope observation

Scanning electron microscope was used to compare five indoor inoculation methods on Pseudopeziza medicaginis and observe the way that P.medicaginis ascospore invasion in alfalfa leaves. The results showed that the reverse spore culture technique is ideal way for P.medicaginis inoculation in comparison with the others. Spore inoculated with this method was close to natural condition of spore release. Ascospores inoculated to alfafa leaves produced germ tubes in 4 h, germ tube direct penetrated any part of alfafa leaves except pores. No infection structures like appressorium was found.