ChileanJAR

The occurrence of M. brassicicola in B. oleracea var. acephala crops, located in different places of Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihue, has been observed from 1978. The fungus attack, normally produces necrotic spots on leaves; these generally being circular, with an average diameter of 0.2 to 1.0 cm (occasionally to 2.1 cm). The spotsare usually dark grey, surrounded by a chlorotic zone. The pseudothecia in the leaves are amphygenous, giving a black color to the spots. The spots can join, producing leaf blade death, together with plant defoliation. The fungus also can attack the midribs, stems and siliqua. This is the first reference on this pathogen in Chile, which could produce heavy losses; its characteristics are also described.